Etiology of Panniculitis There are multiple causes of panniculitis, including Infections Inflammatory disorders (eg, erythema nodosum, lipodermatosclerosis, polyarteritis nodosa) Physical factors (eg, cold, trauma) Lymphoproliferative disorders (eg, T-cell lymphoma) Connective tissue disorders (eg, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis) Pancreatic disorders (eg, acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency Symptoms and Signs of Panniculitis Panniculitis is characterized by tender and erythematous subcutaneous nodules located over the extremities and sometimes over the posterior thorax, abdominal area, breasts, face, or buttocks.