RELAPSING FEBRILE NODULAR NONSUPPURATIVE PANNICULITIS

Abstract

The clinical syndrome of relapsing febrile nodular nonsuppurative panniculitis was first described by Pfeifer¹in 1892 and by Gilchrist and Ketron²in 1916; it was reported in detail by Weber³in 1925 and again by Christian⁴in 1928, who added the term "febrile" to the terminology used by Weber. In 1933 Alderson and Way⁵and Netherton⁶reported cases. Subsequent reports by Weber⁷and by Brill⁸brought the total number of cases reported to eight. More recently, Bailey⁹has reviewed the subject and added five cases that fit into the same general pattern. The name is descriptive of the process, which is characterized by recurrent attacks of malaise and fever of varying degrees, associated with subcutaneous nodules (localized inflammation of the panniculus adiposus). The nodules may show various degrees of erythema, mottled brawny pigmentation and tenderness. They do not tend to suppurate