Definition
Panniculitis is an inflammation of the adipose tissue located under the skin (hypodermis). This inflammatory process can recognize various causes, including infections, traumas, drug hypersensitivity reactions, lipid metabolism dysfunctions and connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Sometimes, the panniculitis is idiopathic (in this case it is called Weber-Christian disease or non-suppurative nodular panniculitis).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Abdominal pain
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Edema
- Hepatomegaly
- Erythema
- Temperature
- Nausea
- Nodule
- Weight loss
Further indications
Panniculitis is characterized by the presence of erythematous and painful subcutaneous nodules, sometimes associated with symptoms of systemic inflammation, including fever, joint pain, weight loss and malaise. These lesions are mainly located in the lower limbs, but can also occur on the back, abdomen, breast, face or buttocks. In some cases, the nodules can ulcerate or leave definitive scars.
Weber-Christian disease is a particular form of panniculitis, characterized by the recurrent presence of subcutaneous nodules, which heal leaving a depressed scar. In most cases, it manifests with recurrent fever, myalgia, arthralgia, abdominal pain, nausea and hepatomegaly. In some cases, Weber-Christian disease leads to systemic involvement, which is associated with potentially fatal organ dysfunction (hepatic, pancreatic and medullary insufficiency).
The diagnosis is based on the clinical evaluation and biopsy of the nodular lesions, followed by the relative histological examination.
There is no specific and resolutive treatment for panniculitis. Depending on the cause, different strategies can be used, including the use of NSAIDs and antimalarials. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat patients with symptoms that indicate severe systemic involvement.
