Diffuse necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum associated with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Perforating Disseminated Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Perforating necrobiosis lipoidica is a very rare clinical variant which consists of degeneration and transepidermal elimination of the collagen with few cases reported in the literature. In two-thirds of the patients it associates with diabetes, with no relation with the glucose control. We present a 42-year-old female patient with a 7-year history of diabetes on insulin therapy, referred to our clinic with a 3-year history of multiple asymptomatic firm plaques disseminated on the upper and lower extremities. The clinical and histological findings proved the diagnosis of perforating necrobiosis lipoidica.

Periorbital necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum: case report

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a relatively common manifestation of diabetes mellitus that is thought to be related to immune-complex vasculitis. The legs are the most common site for NLD, but other locations, such as the forearms or hands, have been reported. We describe a case of periorbital NLD that was diagnosed on the basis of histopathology.

Necrobiosis Lipoidica

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a granulomatous condition with a degenerative connective tissue of unknown etiology very often associated with diabetes. Histopathologically, NL involves all of the dermis and, often, the subcutaneous fat produces a septal panniculitis. There are some changes suggesting the diagnosis of NL, and systemic disease should be considered if there is the presence of necrotizing vasculitis in the skin biopsy. Many theories of pathogenesis have been proposed, and many types of drugs are available for use in its treatment.

Collagenolytic (necrobiotic) granulomas: part II - the ‘red’ granulomas

A collagenolytic or necrobiotic non-infectious granuloma is one in which a granulomatous infiltrate develops around a central area of altered collagen and elastic fibers. The altered fibers lose their distinct boundaries and exhibit new staining patterns, becoming either more basophilic or eosinophilic. Within the area of altered collagen, there may be deposition of acellular substances such as mucin (blue) or fibrin (red), or there may be neutrophils with nuclear dust (blue), eosinophils (red), or flame figures (red). These color distinctions can be used as a simple algorithm for the diagnosis of collagenolytic granulomas, i.e. 'blue' granulomas vs. 'red' granulomas. Eight diagnoses are included within these two groupings, which are discussed in this two-part article. In the previously published first part, the clinical presentation, pathogenesis and histologic features of the 'blue' collagenolytic granulomas were discussed. These are the lesions of granuloma annulare, Wegener's granulomatosis, and rheumatoid vasculitis. In this second half of the series, the 'red' collagenolytic granulomas are discussed; these are the lesions of necrobiosis lipoidica, necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, rheumatoid nodules, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and eosinophilic cellulitis (Well's Syndrome).

Dermatological care of the diabetic foot

Approximately 30% of patients with diabetes mellitus will have disease-related dermatological problems. Dry skin can be associated with autonomic neuropathy and may be fragile, promoting bacterial invasion. Any potentially infected 'diabetic foot' must be taken seriously, and non-painful deep sepsis suspected if there is evidence of sensory loss. Consideration should be given to eliminating nasal carriage of staphylococci if recurrent superficial sepsis occurs in the presence of poor diabetic control. Fungal infections, both of skin and nails, are common but usually not serious in the absence of immunosuppression. Treatment with topical antifungals may need to be combined with systemic therapy for successful eradication. Systemic antifungal therapy should be carefully considered as treatment needs to be prolonged and is potentially toxic, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus who often have co-morbidities. Varicose eczema should be treated by physical therapies intended to improve venous return and prevent peripheral edema and tissue injury. Allergic dermatitis is commonly associated with topical treatments and other sensitizers. Many reactions are not apparent from history, and patch testing for sensitivity is recommended. There are several diabetes mellitus-specific conditions that dermatologists must be aware of, including, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, granuloma annulare, diabetic dermopathy (spotted leg syndrome or shin spots), diabetic bullae (bullosis diabeticorum), and limited joint mobility and waxy skin syndrome. Ulceration, due to varying combinations of peripheral vascular disease and sensory neuropathy, is the province of the specialist team dealing with the diabetic foot and should ideally be referred to an appropriate multidisciplinary team.