On erythema nodosum and its relationship to tuberculosis: a study of one hundred and thirteen consecutive cases

Abstract

The etiology of Erythema Nodosum has for many years been the subject of much discussion, and as yet, no final agreement has been reached. In the Scandinavian countries the opinion that is it in the main a tuberculous manifestation is widely held, but in this country, rheumatism is still thought by many authors to be the predominant cause.

Consideration of these divergent opinions has prompted me to investigate one hundred and thirteen consecutive cases of Erythema Nodosum seen at the Cardiff Tuberculosis Dispensary with a view to ascertaining if, in this country, tuberculosis is the significant etiological factor of this important disease.

The previous literature is reviewed; the present study is reported; the results of the investigation and their significance are presented, discussed and summarised.