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Nodular vasculitis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Nodular vasculitis

Contributors: Rajini Murthy MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Nodular vasculitis is a form of lobular panniculitis with multiple etiologies. It presents with tender erythematous or violaceous nodules and/or plaques, usually on the calves. Ulceration and drainage may occur. Lesions tend to heal with scarring and are prone to recurrence. Women are most commonly affected (80%-90% of patients), with peaks in incidence during early adolescence and around menopause.

There are many etiologies. Idiopathic nodular vasculitis may be seen on the calves of women in middle age who have varicosities. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is one of the strongest associated triggers. The term erythema induratum (of Bazin) refers specifically to cases of nodular vasculitis associated with underlying tuberculosis. Cases can also be induced by infectious agents such as Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Chlamydia, or hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections. Drugs may also be causative agents, with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors, notably etanercept, implicated in case reports. The condition is thought to be either an immune complex-mediated vasculitis or a type IV cell-mediated response to an antigenic stimulus.

Related topic: cutaneous tuberculosis

Codes

ICD10CM:
L95.8 – Other vasculitis limited to the skin

SNOMEDCT:
55275006 – Nodular vasculitis

Look For

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

  • Erythema nodosum is usually found on the anterior lower legs instead of posterior, is more septal, is usually less granulomatous, and is usually without vasculitis.
  • Other types of infection-induced panniculitis tend to demonstrate more prominent neutrophils. Organisms may be identified with special stains and cultures.
  • Furuncle
  • Carbuncle
  • Polyarteritis nodosa
  • Thrombophlebitis
    • Perniosis, also known as pernio and chilblains, occurs primarily on acral sites, with erythematous or violaceous macules, plaques, nodules, or ulcers, and is associated with cold exposure. Histologically, perivascular and often perieccrine lymphocytes, dermal edema, edema of vessel walls, and sometimes thrombi are seen.

    Best Tests

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    Management Pearls

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    Therapy

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    Drug Reaction Data

    Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.

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    References

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    Last Reviewed:08/15/2022
    Last Updated:08/29/2022
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    Nodular vasculitis
    A medical illustration showing key findings of Nodular vasculitis
    Clinical image of Nodular vasculitis - imageId=888633. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a pink nodule with surrounding pink erythema on the leg.'
    A close-up of a pink nodule with surrounding pink erythema on the leg.
    Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.