erythema induratum

Definition: recurrent hard subcutaneous nodules that frequently break down and form necrotic ulcers, usually on the calves and less frequently on the thighs or arms of middle-aged women; they are associated with erythrocyanotic changes in cold weather; although microscopically granulomatous and necrotizing, the lesions are sterile; but tuberculin skin tests are usually positive and polymerase chain reaction amplification is frequently positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA.

Synonym(s): Bazin disease, nodular tuberculid

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