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Erythromelalgia

Robert Baldor, md Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Also known as “erythermalgia” and “Mitchell disease,” erythromelalgia (EM) is a chronic, recurring syndrome characterized by the triad of pain, erythema, and increased temperature of...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • A history of pain, erythema, and increased temperature of the extremities, typically the feet

  • Symptoms are intermittent, often bilateral, and typically worse at night  (3).

  • Symptoms occ...

TREATMENT

Treatment is focused on the underlying disease and symptom management. 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Avoid triggers: high environmental temperatures, alcohol use, heavy exercise, tight stockings, and shoe...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Complete blood counts to monitor for myeloproliferative disease, which may develop 2 to 3 years after diagnosis of EM (5)

  • Screen for depression.

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Miranda S, Le Besnerais M, Langlois V, et al. L’érythromélalgie: approche diagnostique et thérapeutique actuelle [Erythromelalgia: diagnosis and therapeutic approach]. Rev Med Interne. 201...

CODES

ICD10

I73.81 Erythromelalgia 

SNOMED

  • 37151006 Erythromelalgia (disorder)

  • 403390002 Primary erythromelalgia (disorder)

  • 403391003 Secondary erythromelalgia (disorder)

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Consider EM in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with painful, warm, erythematous red feet or hands.

  • Unlike peripheral artery disease which may have similar symptoms an...

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