[A case of primary erythromelalgia successfully treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy].
Erythromelalgia is a rare condition characterized by constant or paroxysmal burning pain, erythema, and the elevation of skin temperature in the extremities. Recently, the impairment of C-fiber function due to autoimmune system involvement is considered as the primary cause of erythromelalgia. However, a successful treatment has yet not been established. We report a case of a 39-year-old woman with primary erythromelalgia accompanied by high cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration and axonal neuropathy. She received various antiepileptic and anti-inflammatory drugs, but failed to improve. She finally underwent high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, which dramatically improved her symptoms and normalized cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for the treatment of primary erythromelalgia and the possibility of autoimmune system involvement.