All- trans-retinoic acid-induced erythema nodosum in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia

Ann Hematol. 2004 Jun;83(6):376-80. doi: 10.1007/s00277-003-0790-2. Epub 2003 Nov 26.

Abstract

Erythema nodosum associated with all- trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is very rare. We describe four patients with classic APL who developed erythema nodosum during ATRA therapy. Fever and subsequent multiple painful erythematous nodules over extremities developed on D11, D16, D17, and D19, respectively, after ATRA therapy. The skin biopsy taken from each patient was consistent with erythema nodosum. All patients received short course of steroids. Fever subsided rapidly and the skin lesions regressed completely. All patients achieved complete remission without withdrawal of ATRA. ATRA seemed to be the most possible etiology of erythema nodosum in our patients. Short-term use of steroid is very effective in ATRA-induced erythema nodosum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Erythema Nodosum / chemically induced*
  • Erythema Nodosum / drug therapy
  • Erythema Nodosum / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tretinoin / adverse effects*
  • Tretinoin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Tretinoin
  • Prednisolone