Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma presented as erythema nodosum: A case report

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is an extremely rare subtype of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas mimicking panniculitis. Clinically, patients are usually presented with subcutaneous nodules, which usually leads to initial misdiagnosis as a benign cutaneous condition. Here, we report a 40-year-old female who presented with subcutaneous erythematous nodules on her extremities with fever. On the basis of the clinical presentations, histopathological features and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of SPTCL was made. The patient was treated with the injection of recombinant human interferon alpha-1b (30 mu g) every other day for 3 months. The lesions gradually regressed. No new erythema nodules reappeared during the 10-month follow-up.

Automated summary

SPTCL is an extremely rare subtype of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas, presenting with subcutaneous nodules and often leading to misdiagnosis. Treatment with recombinant human interferon alpha-1b showed effectiveness in this case, with lesions gradually regressing and no new nodules appearing during a 10-month follow-up.