Necrolytic migratory erythema: A report of three cases

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 324 - 329
• Main Authors: Thorisdottir, Kristin, Camisa, Charles, Tomecki, Kenneth J., Bergfeld, Wilma F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.02.1994; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma, Islet Cell - complications; Carcinoma, Islet Cell - pathology; Celiac Disease - complications; Dermatology; Erythema - complications; Erythema - pathology; Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency - complications; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Necrosis; Nutrition Disorders - complications; Pancreatic Neoplasms - complications; Pancreatic Neoplasms - pathology; Skin - pathology; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; Adenocarcinoma; Case study; Human; Skin disease; Association; Glucagonoma; Digestive diseases; Tumor; Malignant tumor; Pancreas; Pancreatic disease; Necrotic migrans erythema
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(94)70033-8

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a cutaneous reaction pattern with specific histopathologic features that is typically associated with a functioning pancreatic islet cell neoplasm such as a glucagonoma. Three examples of NME, each associated with a different cause, are presented: glucagonoma, pancreatic insufficiency, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. All three patients were successfully treated by surgical resection of the pancreatic tumor, total parenteral nutrition and pancreatic enzyme replacement, or a strict gluten-free diet, respectively. All remain free of skin disease more than 2 years later. Any patient with NME should be evaluated for glucagonoma and small bowel disease that may be associated with malabsorption and malnutrition.