Post-steroid panniculitis: A rare case report

Abstract

Post-steroid panniculitis (PSP) is a rare clinical entity which presents after rapid withdrawal of high doses of systemic corticosteroids. As few as 20 cases have been reported in literature till now. Here, we report a case of post-steroid panniculitis occurring in a 9-year-old boy after rapid tapering and discontinuation of corticosteroids administered for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. He presented with multiple erythematous painful indurated nodules over the face, arms, forearms, thighs, and legs. Histopathologic examination of the nodule revealed lobular panniculitis with lymphocytes, neutrophils, and multiple multinucleated giant cells. It also showed multiple needle-shaped clefts. Based on history, clinical features, and histopathologic findings, a diagnosis of post-steroid panniculitis was made and the patient was restarted on systemic corticosteroids. The lesions resolved in 4 weeks. We report this case to highlight the importance of gradual tapering of corticosteroids.