Diagnosis and Treatment of Weber-Christian Disease for the First Contact Physician

Abstract

Weber-Christian disease is an inflammatory disease, of the lobular panniculitis group, affecting the skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue and other organs. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation, pain and subcutaneous nodules, often associated with fever and systemic symptoms. The pathogenesis of the disease remains poorly understood, but it has been suggested that it may be related to an autoimmune response or an exaggerated inflammatory response to infections or other triggers. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, histologic findings and exclusion of other causes of inflammation and subcutaneous nodules. Treatment includes steroids, immunomodulatory therapies and surgery in severe cases. Weber-Christian disease can be a debilitating and potentially fatal disease if it affects internal organs. Understanding this disease and early identification are important for proper treatment and a better prognosis for affected patients.