Unilateral Pemetrexed-induced Pseudocellulitis Mimicking Bacterial Cellulitis

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Fatema S Esaa
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Skylar N Travis
University of Rochester Medical Center

Glynis A Scott
University of Rochester Medical Center

Christopher T Richardson
University of Rochester Medical Center

Keywords

pemetrexed, pseudocellulitis, cutaneous adverse reactions

Abstract

Pseudocellulitis, manifesting as erythema, warmth, and tenderness of the lower extremities, is a recently recognized cutaneous adverse reaction (CAR) associated with the use of pemetrexed, a multi-targeted folate antagonist. This reaction typically manifests bilaterally, helping to distinguish pemetrexed-induced pseudocellulitis from a bacterial cellulitis. We present a case of unilateral pemetrexed-induced pseudocellulitis. The patient was initially treated for cellulitis but failed to respond adequately to antibiotics, prompting a biopsy that showed the characteristic findings of pemetrexed-induced pseudocellulitis. Pemetrexed-induced pseudocellulitis is important to recognize as it may be dose-limiting or necessitate treatment modification. Furthermore, increased awareness of this CAR can help clinicians avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

References

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Published
Nov 9, 2018
DOI https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.2.6.10

Article Details

How to Cite
Esaa, F. S., Travis, S. N., Scott, G. A., & Richardson, C. T. (2018). Unilateral Pemetrexed-induced Pseudocellulitis Mimicking Bacterial Cellulitis. SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, 2(6). https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.2.6.10
Issue
Vol 2, No 6 (2018)
Section
Brief Articles
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Author Biographies

Fatema S Esaa, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Medical Student

Skylar N Travis, University of Rochester Medical Center

Department of Dermatology, Resident

Glynis A Scott, University of Rochester Medical Center

Department of Dermatology, Professor

Christopher T Richardson, University of Rochester Medical Center

Department of Dermatology, Instructor