Korean J Dermatol.  2004 Mar;42(3):313-316.

A Case of Intractable Generalized Eczema Associated with Lymphoma

• Lim JY
• Yun SJ
• Lee JB
• Kim SJ
• Won YH
• Lee SC

Abstract

The common causes of eczema are known as contactant, drug, infection, atopy, and so on. Although various clinical manifestations of paraneoplastic syndrome have been described, especially in leukemia or lymphoma, intractable eczema is rarely reported to be associated with malignancy.A 55-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of pruritic erythematous papules and plaques. Oozing on the scalp, face, neck, both inguinal and inframammary areas were seen. Histopathological studies revealed a nonspecific subacute spongiotic dermatitis. The patient had been treated with prednisolone, antihistamines and antibiotics, but the skin lesions were aggravated. During the early course of eczema, laboratory findings were within the normal limits except for mild leukocytosis. Three months later, however, severe leukocytosis and cervical and inguinal lymphadenopathies developed abruptly. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck, chest, and abdomen revealed multiple lymphadenopathies to suggest lymphoma, which was confirmed later by lymph node and bone marrow biopsies, showing atypical lymphocytes extended to the bone marrow. This case shows that generalized eczema recalcitrant to conventional therapy may be associated with underlying lymphoma or leukemia.

Keyword

Lymphoma; Intractable generalized eczema

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Biopsy
Bone Marrow
Dermatitis
Eczema*
Female
Histamine Antagonists
Humans
Leukemia
Leukocytosis
Lymph Nodes
Lymphocytes
Lymphoma*
Middle Aged
Neck
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Prednisolone
Scalp
Skin
Thorax
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Histamine Antagonists
Prednisolone