Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) or gyrate erythema
was first described by Darier in 1916.1 It is characterized by
a scaling or nonscaling erythematous eruption that expands
in a centrifugal and annular pattern. It tends to spread peripherally to form large rings while clearing centrally.
Itching is variable, but seldom absent. The disease has a
chronic course, and may begin at any age. It appears to have
no predilection for either sex. Most cases require no treatment
and resolve spontaneously.
Histologically, EAC has been categorized into superficial
and deep variants. The upper and deep dermal vessels show
dense perivascular lymphohistiocytic cuffing.
The pathogenesis of EAC is unknown, but it is probably
due to a hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of agents,
including drugs, arthropod bites, infections (bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal), gastrointestinal parasites, ingestion
(blue cheese penicillium), and malignancy. In our case, the eruption appeared during pregnancy and
resolved within 1 month after delivery. No other known
etiologic factor was found. We therefore confirm the possible
hormonal and physiologic relationship between EAC and
pregnancy.
Product ID:
21461
Handle IRIS:
11562/306316
Deposited On:
July 4, 2012
Last Modified:
October 19, 2022
Bibliographic citation:
Rosina, Paolo; D'Onghia, Fs; Barba, Annalisa,
Erythema annulare centrifugum and pregnancy«International Journal of Dermatology»
, vol. 41
, n. 8
, 2002
, pp. 516-517