Unusual presentation of erythema elevatum diutinum mimicking a giant wart on the heels of a Filipino male : a case report

Authors: Maria Elvira M. Salas, MD, DPDS,Agnes Espinoza Thaebtharm, MD, FPDS, Jesusa Barcelona Tan, MD, FPDS

Abstract

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare condition believed to be a form of chronic recurrent leukocytoclastic vasculitis possibly secondary to vascular immune complex deposition. The disease is characterized by symmetrical, red, brownish-purple, and yellow papules, plaques, and nodules distributed mainly over the extensor surfaces of the extremities. We report a 61-year-old male with an atypical presentation of such disease as a giant warty lesion on the heels. Histologically, a spectrum from leukocytoclastic vasculitis to vessel occlusion and dermal fibrosis is seen in EED. These histological findings were present in the histopathological reading of the patient which established its diagnosis and further ruled out verruca vulgaris. The disease is associated with many disease entities, which include human immunodeficiency virus, malignant conditions, chronic infection, and autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. None of these conditions was present in the patient as manifested in the history, physical, and laboratory examinations. However, the patient has a low hemoglobin and a G6PD deficiency which makes him a bad candidate for dapsone therapy which is the main treatment for EED. Tetracycline, niacinamide and plain vaseline + salicylic acid were given initially for 4 weeks but no improvement was noticed. It was then shifted to 10mg intralesional corticosteroid and urea paste 40%. Niacinamide still was given. There was a marked thinning of the lesions. The medications were continued and were slowly tapered. More improvement of the lesions was observed.

 

Citation

Salas ME, Thaebtharm A, Tan J. Unusual presentation of erythema elevatum diutinum mimicking a giant wart on the heels of a Filipino male : a case report. J Phil dermatol Soc. 2018; 27(1): 75-80.

 

Keywords

erythema elevatum diutinum, giant warty lesion, verruca vulgaris, G6PD deficiency, dapsone intralesional corticosteroid, niacinamide

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