Cyclophosphamide-induced generalised reticulated skin pigmentation: a rare presentation

Int J Clin Pharm. 2013 Jun;35(3):309-12. doi: 10.1007/s11096-013-9756-1. Epub 2013 Mar 8.

Abstract

Case: We describe a 55-year-old woman suffering from Sezary syndrome, had undergone chemotherapy consisting of cycles of cyclophosphamide and prednisone. 10 months later, she noticed a progressively increasing reticulated generalised pigmentation in the face, trunk and the extremities. Cylophosphamide was withdrawn. The hyperpigmentation began to clear slowly and gradually after 7 months. One year after cyclophosphamide withdrawal and facing the relapse of the disease, and its transformation to a large T cell lymphoma a mini CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) protocol was held, leading to a remarkable aggravation of the pigmentation.

Conclusion: This adverse drug reaction to cyclophosphamide is peculiar by its localization and distribution and should be known in order not to confuse with other dermatosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects*
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / chemically induced*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / adverse effects
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Sezary Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Pigmentation / drug effects*
  • Vincristine / adverse effects
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • CHOP protocol