Nodular lesions of erythema elevatum diutinum in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Background: Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare, chronic form of cutaneous vasculitis that can result in fibrosis. Four patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had unusual nodular lesions of EED.

Objective: Our purpose was to document the occurrence of these lesions in HIV-infected patients and to characterize the histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of nodular EED.

Methods: Clinicopathologic studies were supplemented by special stains of biopsy specimens.

Results: EED may be a complication of HIV infection. Nodules of EED are composed of small aggregates of Mac-387+ spindled cells. Within the aggregates can be seen neutrophils, nuclear dust, and fibrin. The marked fibrosis of the lesions may account for the lack of response to dapsone.

Conclusion: EED should be considered in the differential diagnosis of juxta-articular nodules in HIV-infected patients; its diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy.