Case Report of Empagliflozin-Induced Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa

J Cutan Med Surg. 2018 Sep/Oct;22(5):516-518. doi: 10.1177/1203475418760457. Epub 2018 Feb 18.

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare vasculitis affecting medium-sized vessels. Cutaneous PAN is a clinical variant, and we report the first case of empagliflozin-induced cutaneous PAN in a 69-year-old man. After starting empagliflozin, the patient presented with tender subcutaneous nodules on his legs, which showed a medium-sized vessel vasculitis on histopathology. Upon cessation of this medication, he had full resolution of these nodules. This case illustrates that empagliflozin can induce cutaneous PAN, and further attention to this medication's association with cutaneous PAN is warranted.

Keywords: cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa; drug induced; empagliflozin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Glucosides / adverse effects*
  • Glucosides / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leg / pathology
  • Male
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa* / chemically induced
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa* / diagnosis
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa* / pathology
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Glucosides
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
  • empagliflozin