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Last updated:
02/01/2023
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NORD gratefully acknowledges Mark Denis P. Davis, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that primarily affects the feet and, less commonly, the hands (extremities). It is characterized by intense, burning pain of affected extremities, severe redness (erythema) and increased skin temperature that may be episodic or almost continuous in nature. (The prefix “erythro-” denotes redness, “mel-” is a combining form meaning limb or limbs and the suffix “-algia” indicates pain.) Although erythromelalgia typically affects both sides of the body (bilateral), it may sometimes involve only one side (unilateral). The disease course may be extremely variable from person to person.
In most individuals, it is episodic/intermittent, with episodes of painful red-hot feet and/or hands intermittently. Symptom onset may be gradual (insidious), with the condition potentially remaining relatively mild for years. However, in others, it may have a sudden (acute) onset, and becoming severe over weeks or months.
The specific underlying cause of erythromelalgia remains unknown. Erythromelalgia is thought to result from vasomotor abnormalities or dysfunction in the normal narrowing (constriction) and widening (dilation) of the diameter (caliber) of certain blood vessels, leading to abnormalities of blood flow to the extremities. Erythromelalgia may be an isolated, primary condition or occur secondary to various underlying disorders. Primary erythromelalgia may appear to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically) or may be familial, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance.
Erythromelalgia is characterized by predominantly intermittent episodes of severe, burning pain associated with red hot extremities: during episodes there is marked redness (erythema) of the skin and increased skin temperature, particularly of the feet. In some affected individuals, the hands may be the primary sites of involvement. Although both sides of the body are usually affected (bilateral), involvement may sometimes be limited to one side (unilateral).
Erythromelalgia often starts with occasional episodes of red, of feet occurring for example once a week or once a month. The episodes may increase in frequency with time; the progression may sometimes occur gradually and subtly or remaining relatively mild and unchanged in nature or degree over years or decades. However, in others with the condition, symptoms may begin suddenly (acutely) and, in some people, may rapidly spread, increase in severity, and possibly become disabling over months. Reports suggest that in many affected individuals, the disorder has a chronic course that may gradually increase in severity over time. Rarely, involvement may spread (usually bilaterally), such as from the feet up the legs (lower limbs), from the hands up the arms (upper limbs), from the upper to the lower limbs, from the lower to the upper limbs and occasionally involve the ears or face.
Associated symptoms may occur intermittently or on an almost continuous basis. Episodes or intensification of symptoms are sometimes described as “flaring”, during which there is sudden (acute) redness, pain, sensation of heat and swelling. During a flare, some affected individuals may also experience tingling pain or other symptoms similar to those associated with peripheral neuropathy. (For further information on this condition, please see the “Related Disorders” section of this report below.) Many patients report that flares occur late in the day and may occur at night in bed, thus potentially interfering with sleep.
“Hallmarks” or characteristics of erythromelalgia include triggering or worsening of symptoms with exposure to heat (heat intolerance) or exercise and relief with cooling. These symptoms are characteristic of erythromelalgia but may occur with other disorders. They are not unique to erythromelalgia. The temperature at which symptoms may be triggered or exacerbated varies from person to person. (Please see the “Standard Therapies” section below for further information).
In most cases, erythromelalgia is an apparently isolated, primary condition. Primary erythromelalgia may appear to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically) or rarely (in approximately 5% of cases) may be familial.
Several families (kindreds) have been reported in which individuals in several generations have been affected. Reported familial cases appear to suggest autosomal dominant inheritance. Most genetic diseases are determined by the status of the two copies of a gene, one received from the father and one from the mother. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of an altered gene is necessary to cause a particular disease. The altered gene can be inherited from either parent or can be the result of a new mutation (gene change) in the affected individual. The risk of passing the altered gene from an affected parent to an offspring is 50% for each pregnancy. The risk is the same for males and females.
In some individuals, the disorder is due to a spontaneous (de novo) genetic mutation that occurs in the egg or sperm cell. In such situations, the disorder is not inherited from the parents.
Studies of families with autosomal dominant erythermalgia have demonstrated pathogenic variants (mutations) in the gene for sodium channel Na(v)1.7, which is selectively expressed within nociceptive dorsal root ganglion and sympathetic ganglion neurons. Shifts in activation and deactivation, and enhanced responses to small stimuli in mutant channels, decrease the threshold for single impulses and high-frequency trains of impulses in pain-sensing neurons. This is termed a ‘gain of function’ mutation and results in disproportionate pain in the affected red, hot areas (most often the feet)
In others with erythromelalgia, the condition may occur secondary to various underlying disorders, particularly certain bone marrow disorders characterized by abnormally increased production of particular blood cells (myeloproliferative disorders). Many additional disorders have also been reported in association with erythromelalgia. (For more information, please see the “Related Disorders” section of this report below.) There is increasing evidence that neuropathies (large or small fiber) are strongly associated with erythromelalgia- whether this is a cause or effect of erythromelalgia is unclear. Indeed, many medical experts think that erythromelalgia is a neurologic disorder.
The exact underlying cause of erythromelalgia is not known. However, evidence suggests that it results from abnormalities in the normal narrowing (vasoconstriction) and widening (vasodilation) of the diameter (caliber) of certain blood vessels, leading to abnormalities in blood flow to the extremities.
In erythromelalgia, additional evidence indicates that ring-shaped muscle regions (sphincters) of certain blood vessels that control blood flow from small arteries (arterioles) to capillaries (i.e., precapillary sphincters) may be abnormally narrowed while “arteriovenous shunts” are open. (According to researchers, blood flow through skin capillaries primarily provides necessary oxygen and nutrients to cells. Arteriovenous shunts, which are blood vessels that directly connect certain arteries and veins and thus bypass the capillary network, are thought to play a role in regulating temperature.) Constriction of some precapillary sphincters while arteriovenous shunts are open may lead to increased total blood flow but decreased transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells. This results in a simultaneous insufficient oxygen supply (hypoxia) and excess of blood (hyperemia) in affected skin. The presence of hypoxia may in turn trigger increased, localized blood flow to skin regions, thus exacerbating pain, heat sensation, and redness.
In addition, some researchers indicate that there may be three different subtypes of erythromelalgia, with most individuals affected by vasoconstriction followed by reactive hyperemia (as described above); some with primarily vasodilation abnormalities; and others with erythromelalgia secondary to conditions characterized by increased numbers of certain cells in the blood, such as platelets (thrombocythemia) and associated, excessive viscosity of the blood (hyperviscosity). (For more information, please see the “Related Disorders” section below.)
Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder that was originally described in 1878. The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 people per year in a population-based study in the US was 1.3. Researchers in Norway have estimated an incidence of 0.25 per 100,000 and a prevalence of 2 per 100,000 in Norway. (Incidence refers to the number of new cases of a particular condition during a specific period, while prevalence indicates the total of new and old cases of a condition at any one time.)
Females are more often affected than males. Although disorder onset occurs most commonly in middle age, associated symptoms may develop at any age. For example, researchers have reported an extended family (kindred) in which affected members typically developed symptoms beginning between ages two to eight years.
The diagnosis of erythromelalgia is established by a thorough evaluation of the characteristic symptoms and signs of the disease. Photographs of the affected areas during symptoms are extremely helpful (for example, photos of red feet or hands during symptoms – the redness is almost unique to erythromelalgia when associated with the history). Patient and family history can be helpful and specialized tests may help to exclude certain disorders with similar symptoms. It is also helpful to confirm or rule out underlying diseases or conditions that may occur in association with erythromelalgia (i.e., to help differentiate primary and secondary erythromelalgia). For example, because erythromelalgia may be an early sign of certain conditions (e.g., thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera), certain laboratory tests, such as yearly blood cell counts and other specialized tests may be periodically conducted to help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of such underlying disorders.
Experts indicate that the intermittent nature of erythromelalgia in some people may potentially lead to difficulties or delays in its diagnosis. Therefore, because symptoms may be reduced or absent until late in the day, for example, physicians may recommend that affected individuals take photographs of the involved regions during flaring and/or schedule clinical examinations late in the day if possible.
Treatment
As mentioned above (see “Symptoms”), in individuals with erythromelalgia, associated symptoms are typically relieved with cooling. More specifically, in almost all cases, affected individuals may experience pain relief by immersing the affected regions in ice water. However, according to experts, it is essential to note that the repeated immersion sometimes performed by those with severe erythromelalgia may lead to skin injury and potentially serious complications. Such complications may include infection; nonhealing skin sores (ulcerations); softening and breaking down of skin due to abnormally prolonged exposure to moisture (maceration) and/or localized tissue loss (necrosis).
Many people with the disorder also experience symptom relief by exposing affected areas to cold air, such as through the use of air conditioners or fans, although excessive blowing air on the skin can cause its own cycle of problems (the equivalent of ‘windburn’). In addition, even those with mild disease may find themselves avoiding warm or hot temperatures to help minimize symptoms.
Many affected individuals find that symptoms worsen with a dependent (or “hanging down”) position. Accordingly, episodes may potentially be avoided or reduced by elevating involved regions.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the use of such measures as described above–such as avoidance of warm temperatures, ongoing elevation required by some with severe erythromelalgia, etc.–may significantly affect daily functioning.
For many patients, medications are available that can help to reduce symptoms.
Topical medications may go a long way towards helping with symptoms. The use of lidocaine topically such as in a lidocaine patch, and topical preparations designed to block the opening of sodium channels in nerve (amitriptyline combined with ketamine for example) have been described to be helpful in many patients, either alone or in combination with oral treatments.
Oral medications include, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, pregabalin, or carbamazepine, antihistamines, misoprostol, magnesium and others. No single medication works for all EM patients, and some trial and error may be necessary. Some individuals with EM require lower doses of these drugs, and when started at higher doses, side effects can occur. Sometimes a combination of medications is more effective than one drug alone. Experts indicate that through such measures and careful ongoing monitoring, many affected individuals may obtain significant benefit.
Some patients with erythromelalgia develop the equivalent of a chronic pain syndrome, and this aspect should be intensively managed. In patients whose lives are severely impacted by the erythromelalgia, consideration should be given to engagement in a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program, so that patients can learn techniques to live a more normal life despite the chronic pain of the erythromelalgia.
Genetic counseling may be helpful for people with erythromelalgia and their families. Other treatment for the condition is symptomatic and supportive.
In some cases, such as for some individuals who have an insufficient response to appropriate oral medication regimens and/or who have severe erythromelalgia, various other measures may be recommended.
As an example, infusion of the low blood pressure (hypotensive) agent sodium nitroprusside (sodium nitroferricyanide) has been used with some success in some children and adolescents for the treatment of severe erythromelalgia.
In addition, some reports suggest that prostaglandin infusion may result in improvement in some individuals with erythromelalgia. Prostaglandin agents may inhibit certain vasoconstrictor effects as well as the accumulation and clumping (aggregation) of platelets.
Various invasive measures have also been conducted in some severe cases, such as epidural analgesia or bilateral sympathectomies. Epidural analgesia involves the infusion of certain local anesthetics into the space surrounding the spinal cord within the lower back to provide pain relief. Sympathectomies are procedures in which part of certain sympathetic nerve pathways are surgically interrupted. Sympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which, as described above, regulates certain involuntary functions, including the diameter of the opening of blood vessels. Sympathectomies are performed to help improve blood supply by promoting vasodilation and/or to relieve chronic pain. However, both methods have also been reported to induce or flare erythromelalgia.
Reports indicate that no one medication, therapeutic method, or procedure has been consistently effective for individuals treated for erythromelalgia, potentially supporting the possibility that there may be different subtypes of the disorder (e.g., vasoconstrictive-reactive hyperemia type, vasodilation type, thrombocytosis type). (For more, see “Causes” above.) However, although treatment response is variable, experts indicate that many achieve significant alleviation of symptoms with appropriate medication regimens; in addition, although uncommon, remissions have been reported in some patients. Further research is needed to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of such therapies for the treatment of erythromelalgia; to define optimal treatment or treatments for the disorder and to learn more about the underlying cause or causes.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov
Some current clinical trials also are posted on the following page on the NORD website:
https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/find-clinical-trials/
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Davis MD. Immersion foot associated with the overuse of ice, cold water, and fans: a distinctive clinical presentation complicating the syndrome of erythromelalgia. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013; 69:169.
Cook-Norris RH, Tollefson MM, Cruz-Inigo AE, et al. Pediatric erythromelalgia: a retrospective review of 32 cases evaluated at Mayo Clinic over a 37-year period. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012; 66:416.
Reed KB, Davis MD. Incidence of erythromelalgia: a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009; 23:13.
Davis MD, Sandroni P, Rooke TW, Low PA. Erythromelalgia: vasculopathy, neuropathy, or both? A prospective study of vascular and neurophysiologic studies in erythromelalgia. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139:1337.
Mørk C, Kvernebo K, Asker CL, Salerud EG. Reduced skin capillary density during attacks of erythromelalgia implies arteriovenous shunting as pathogenetic mechanism. J Invest Dermatol 2002; 119:949.
Mork C, Kalgaard OM, Kvernebo K. Impaired neurogenic control of skin perfusion in erythromelalgia. J Invest Dermatol. 2002;118:699-703.
Drenth JP, Finley WH, Breedveld GJ, et al. The primary erythromelalgia-susceptibility gene is located on chromosome 2q31-32. Am J Hum Genet. 2001;68:1277-82.
Mork C, Asker CL, Salerud EG, et al. Microvascular arteriovenous shunting is a probable pathogenic mechanism in erythromelalgia. J Invest Dermatol. 2000;114:643-46.
Davis MD, O’Fallon WM, Rogers RS 3rd , et al. Natural history of erythromelalgia: presentation and outcome in 168 patients. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136:330-36.
INTERNET
Hisama FM, Dib-Hajj SD, Waxman SG. SCN9A Neuropathic Pain Syndromes. 2006 May 6 [Updated 2020 Jan 23]. In: Adam MP, Everman DB, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1163/ Accessed Jan 23, 2023.
McCusick VA. ed. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University; Entry No: 133020; Last Update: 05/27/2020. Available at https://omim.org/entry/133020 Accessed Jan 23, 2023.
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