Primary Surgical Treatment of Erythema Elevatum Diutinum.

Abstract

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare skin disease caused an Arthrus-type immunological reaction to antigen with immune complex deposition in the cutaneous microvasculature, which leads to tissue damage secondary to the effects of complement and leukocytes. It presents as brown or red cutaneous nodules, papules, or plaques, often on the extensor surfaces of the hands, knees, or elbows. Onset usually occurs in the fourth to sixth decades but possibly younger in patients with human immunodeficiency virus. Medical treatment is usually successful; however, surgical treatment can be used when chemotherapy fails. We present a case of a 29-year-old man with EED treated with excision and skin grafting.