Erythema nodosum in the practice of an internist

Svetlova Marina Stanislavovna

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a frequent reason for patients to go to internists. Currently, there are no unified approaches to the management of patients with this pathology. EN refers to panniculitis and its development is caused by inflammation of subcutaneous fat. Primary and secondary forms of the disease are possible. The causes of secondary EN are very diverse (infections, including tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, systemic processes, tumors, medication, pregnancy, etc.). In about half of cases, EN is idiopathic. The internist doctor faces a difficult task not only to diagnose EN, but also to determine the possible cause that caused its appearance, as early as possible to begin treatment of the causal disease. The article presents data on the etiology, pathogenesis of EN, its clinical manifestations, features of the course of sarcoidosis, streptococcal infection, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc., the algorithm of the necessary diagnostics is given accordance with the federal clinical guidelines for the management of a patient with EN, approaches to the treatment of the disease are presented.

Keywords:erythema nodosum, panniculitis, clinical recommendations, sarcoidosis, Behcet's disease, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, glucocorsticosteroids.