Nodular vasculitis (NV) and erythema induratum (EI) are both terms that have been used to describe an inflammatory panniculitis and vasculitis of the calves. There is some confusion of the nomenclature. Classically, the term NV has been used to describe cases lacking evidence of infection by tuberculosis whereas EI has been used when tuberculosis infection is found. Alternatively, some use NV and EI interchangeably and use the term erythema induratum of Bazin (Bazin's disease) to refer to those cases caused by infection from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
When an infectious agent is found, it is most commonly M. tuberculosis. However M. avium, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, and Fusarium have been associated with EI.
Tender, red, deep-seated nodules mainly on the calves but also elsewhere on the legs is characteristic. Ulceration frequently occurs.
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