Thrombocythemia as a cause of erythermalgia.

Erythermalgia is a distinctive clinical entity characterized by local redness, warmth, and burning pain in the distal portions of the extremities. In this study, erythemalgia was observed in two patients with myeloproliferative disease. A new theory suggesting abnormally rapid platelet aggregation as a cause of erythermalgia was advanced. The following evidence is presented: (1) histologic evidence of thrombi occluding the arterioles and probably composed of platelet aggregates; (2) reversal of the clinical findings with platelet aggregating drugs, such as heparin sodium and acetylsalicyclic acid; (3) disappearance of the erythemalgia with the adequate control of the myeloproliferative disease.