Nodular lesions of erythema elevatum diutinum in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare, chronic form of cutaneous vasculitis that can result in fibrosis. Four patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had unusual nodular lesions of EED.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to document the occurrence of these lesions in HIV-infected patients and to characterize the histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of nodular EED.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic studies were supplemented by special stains of biopsy specimens.

RESULTS

EED may be a complication of HIV infection. Nodules of EED are composed of small aggregates of Mac-387+ spindled cells. Within the aggregates can be seen neutrophils, nuclear dust, and fibrin. The marked fibrosis of the lesions may account for the lack of response to dapsone.

CONCLUSION

EED should be considered in the differential diagnosis of juxta-articular nodules in HIV-infected patients; its diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy.