Introduction: Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat several solid organ malignancies. The most common cutaneous toxicities are a mild erythematous rash and pruritus, which are often attributed to infectious etiologies. However, certain clinical characteristics may favor a drug-related reaction. Clinicians should recognize these phenomena to avoid potentially unnecessary antibiotic treatment or withdrawal of chemotherapeutic agents.
Objective: We aim to report a case of gemcitabine-related acute lipodermatosclerosis-like eruption, add to the evolving classification of this condition, and highlight developing literature on gemcitabine that may explain this toxicity.
Case: Dermatology was consulted for presumed cellulitis in a 62-year-old female with pancreatic carcinoma. The patient presented to the emergency department five days after her first dose of gemcitabine with erythema in both lower extremities. A diagnosis of gemcitabine-related acute lipodermatosclerosis was made and the patient was started on topical triamcinolone.
Conclusion: It is important to recognize gemcitabine-related acute lipodermatosclerosis in order to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and disruptions in chemotherapy.
Keywords: Acute lipodermatosclerosis; cellulitis; erysipeloid; gemcitabine; pseudocellulitis.