A fatal case of pancreatic panniculitis presenting in a young patient with systemic lupus

Authors: Cutlan R.T.¹; Wesche W.A.²; Jenkins J.J.³; Chesney T.M.²

Source: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 27, Number 9, October 2000 , pp. 466-471(6)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with pancreatic disease is a rare event. The clinical cutaneous findings are non-specific erythematous nodules with central softening located predominantly on the lower extremities. The histopathologic features of these lesions are very characteristic and diagnostic.

Methods:

We present an unusual case of pancreatic panniculitis associated with lupus pancreatitis in a 21-year-old African American female. The patient presented with lower extremity skin nodules, arthralgia, and serositis prior to the diagnosis of systemic lupus and pancreatitis. The skin lesions progressed despite normalization of serum pancreatic enzymes. Following femoral vein catheterization for renal dialysis, she developed a large indurated area over the left lower quadrant, flank, groin, and upper thigh measuring 25 cm. She was treated with repeated debridement, tissue grafts, and hyperbaric oxygen because of a clinical suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis.

Results:

Examination of skin biopsies and debrided tissue revealed the pathognomonic features of pancreatic panniculitis without any evidence of necrotizing fasciitis. Organisms were not detected by tissue examination or microbiologic cultures.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates the potential role of vascular trauma in the pathogenesis of pancreatic panniculitis.

Language: English

Document Type: Case report

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Pathology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 2: Pathology Group of the MidSouth Inc., Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 3: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA *

Publication date: 2000-10-01

• In this: publication
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• In this Subject: Dermatology
• By this author: Cutlan R.T. ;  Wesche W.A. ;  Jenkins J.J. ;  Chesney T.M.

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