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Generalized benign cutaneous reaction to cytarabine
- Source :
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 73(5)
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Background Cytarabine-induced toxicity manifests as various cutaneous morphologies. A generalized papular purpuric eruption has not been well described. Objectives We aimed to characterize a distinct cytarabine-related eruption. Methods We reviewed all cases of cytarabine-related toxicity with papular purpuric eruptions or violaceous erythema at the University of California, San Francisco between 2006 and 2011. Results Sixteen cases were identified. The eruption began as erythematous papules that evolved into coalescing purpuric papules and plaques. It had affinity for intertriginous areas, neck, ears, and scalp. Pruritus was common, but no systemic complications were documented. Thirteen patients (81.3%) developed the eruption after completion of chemotherapy. Differential diagnosis often included viral exanthem (62.5%), drug eruption (50%), and vasculitis (37.5%). Histopathology was nonspecific but commonly demonstrated sparse lymphocytic infiltrates, spongiosis, and/or red cell extravasation. Importantly, the eruption was neither predicted by past cytarabine exposure nor predictive of future recurrence. Limitations This is a review of cases from a single institution. Observation was limited to acute hospitalization, however, charts were reviewed for subsequent reactions on rechallenge. Conclusions The eruption described herein represents a specific skin-limited reaction to cytarabine. Awareness of its characteristic morphology, distribution, and timeline will aid in clinical diagnosis. Reassurance concerning its benign nature will prevent unnecessary intervention or cessation of chemotherapy.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
Vasculitis
medicine.medical_specialty
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
Erythema
Dermatology
Intertriginous
Skin Diseases, Vascular
Diagnosis, Differential
Young Adult
medicine
Humans
Purpura
Aged
business.industry
Pruritus
Cytarabine
Exanthema
Middle Aged
medicine.disease
Drug eruption
Surgery
medicine.anatomical_structure
Scalp
Female
Dermatopathology
Drug Eruptions
Differential diagnosis
medicine.symptom
business
Spongiosis
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 10976787
- Volume :
- 73
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....55ebc62ff70faf141681317c6009bb69