Ann Dermatol.  2009 Feb;21(1):39-41. 10.5021/ad.2009.21.1.39.

A Hydroxyurea-induced Leg Ulcer

• Hwang SW
• Hong SK
• Kim SH
• Seo JK
• Lee D
• Sung HS

• KMID: 2172063
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2009.21.1.39

Abstract

Hydroxyurea is a cytostatic agent that has recently become the drug of choice in the treatment of various myeloproliferative diseases. The cutaneous side effects of hydroxyurea include xerosis, hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, and scaling. Leg ulcers have only rarely been reported in association with hydroxyurea treatment. A 75-year-old woman presented with leg ulcers, nail discoloration, and xerosis. The leg ulcers were refractory to conventional treatment. She had been taking oral hydroxyurea since being diagnosed with essential thrombocytosis in 2002. Hence, we suspected hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcers and discontinued her hydroxyurea treatment; the ulcers gradually healed thereafter. We present a rare case of hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcers in Korea.

Keyword

Cutaneous side effects; Hydroxyurea; Leg ulcer

MeSH Terms

Aged
Female
Humans
Hydroxyurea
Hyperpigmentation
Korea
Leg
Leg Ulcer
Nails
Robenidine
Thrombocytosis
Ulcer
Hydroxyurea
Robenidine

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Erythematous ulcerative skin lesions developed on both heels.

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  Fig. 2 Histologic examination of the specimen taken from the right heel wound showed a mixed inflammatory cell infiltration around the dermal vessels, along with disruption of the epidermis (H&E stain, ×40).

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  Fig. 3 After 5 weeks of conservative treatment, a new, painful, ulcerative skin lesion developed on the patient's right malleolus.

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  Fig. 4 The ulcerative skin lesions began to improve within 3 weeks after discontinuation of hydroxyurea.

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