Erythema gyratum repens

Background: Erythema gyratum repens is a rare, clinically specific, and dis tinctive paraneoplastic syndrome. It is associated with internal malignancy in 82% of patients. Objective: A 58-year-old man with erythema gyratum rep ens is described. On diagnosis of his eruption, a malignancy work-up reveal ed a 9-mm pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Removal of the carcinoma resulted in cl earing of the erythema. Results: Erythema gyratum repens is most commonly a ssociated with bronchial, esophageal, and breast cancer. It has also rarely been reported in patients without evidence of malignancy. The histopatholo gic findings are nonspecific. Direct immunofluorescence has sometimes revea led C3, C4, or immunoglobulin G at the basement membrane zone. Conclusion: The etiology of erythema gyratum repens is unknown, although an immune resp onse is postulated. Treatment involves treating the underlying malignancy.