Lj. Stricker et Cr. Green, Resolution of refractory symptoms of secondary erythermalgia with intermittent epidural bupivacaine, REG ANES PA, 26(5), 2001, pp. 488-490
Background and Objectives: Erythermalgia is a rare disorder characterized b
y erythema, edema, elevated skin temperature, and burning pain of the hands
and/or feet. The etiology of primary erythermalgia is idiopathic while sec
ondary erythermalgia is associated with autoimmune and rheumatologic factor
s, Symptoms are typically refractory to medical management. We report the u
se of epidural bupivacaine as a treatment option for secondary erythermalgi
a.
Case Report: A 28-year-old woman presented with secondary erythromelalgia t
hat was characterized by severe pain, swelling, and erythema. Medical manag
ement failed and a lumbar epidural dosed with bupivacaine was used. This re
sulted in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms.
Conclusion: Intermittent epidural bupivacaine may provide treatment of the
refractory symptoms of secondary erythermalgia.