Necrolytic migratory erythema with the absence of necrolysis

Is necrolytic migratory erythema due to glucagonoma a misnomer? A more apt name might be mucosal and intertriginous erosive dermatitis

BACKGROUND

In dermatology, many conditions are given names that ultimately prove to be a misnomer (eg, mycosis fungoides, pyogenic granuloma). For most misnomers, continued use of the inappropriate word(s) rarely results in a delay in diagnosis and/or treatment. An argument can be made that the term necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) due to glucagonoma results in a delay in diagnosis, often with fatal consequences.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the literature of the past 30 years concerning the dermatologic and histologic findings of NME in association with glucagonoma. The most striking feature evident in nearly all reported cases is the presence of mucosal lesions and annular, eroded, eczematous patches and plaques of intertriginous areas.

CONCLUSION

We propose the renaming of the eruption associated with glucagonoma to one that emphasizes its unique localization to the mucosa and intertriginous areas: mucosal and intertriginous erosive dermatitis. It is hoped that this will lead to a more timely recognition of the condition and a possible improvement in prognosis.