The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Secondary erythromelalgia successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition characterized by episodic painful erythema and warmth often affecting, but not limited to, the distal extremities. This condition is notoriously difficult to treat. We report a young female patient with seronegative polyarthritis who presented with a 6-year history of recurrent bouts of painful erythema and swelling often triggered by minor trauma. An extensive evaluation was unremarkable. Several medical therapies provided limited and inconsistent relief of her symptoms over many years. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin significantly decreased the frequency and severity of her symptoms.