Erythema induratum of bazin – Skin lesions with pyrexia of unknown origin undiagnosed for 4 years

Abstract

Erythema induratum of Bazin is characterized by chronic, tender, erythematous, indurated subcutaneous nodules on the lower extremities caused by tuberculin hypersensitivity. A 21-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of multiple erythematous scaly lesions over both lower limbs below the knee and low-grade fever for 4 years. She was treated from various outside hospitals with multiple courses of antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without improvement. The histopathology of the skin lesion was suggestive of erythema induratum. She had complete resolution of her skin lesions and fever following 6 months of treatment with antitubercular drugs. A delay in the diagnosis of rare presentations of tuberculosis can result in the administration of ineffective and potentially damaging treatments.

Keywords

• erythema induratum of bazin
• pyrexia of unknown origin
• skin lesions