Dermal infiltrate of enlarged macrophages in patients receiving chemotherapy

J Cutan Pathol. 1998 May;25(5):259-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.1998.tb01730.x.

Abstract

A histologically distinct maculopapular eruption has been associated with the use of recombinant forms of granulocyte and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors (GCSF and GMCSF). One of the most distinctive features was an increase in the number and the size of dermal macrophages, which was proposed as a clue to diagnosis of these cytokine-induced dermatoses. We describe 8 patients who received chemotherapy and who developed a maculopapular eruption, of which histological examination showed an increase in the number and the size of dermal macrophages. Three patients had also received GM-CSF or G-CSF, before the onset of rash, but 5 patients had not. In conclusion, an increase in the number and the size of dermal macrophages is not specific for the reaction to GM-CSF or G-CSF, and may also be observed in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • Exanthema / etiology*
  • Female
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / adverse effects
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin / pathology*

Substances

  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor