Abstract

BENDAMUSTINE INDUCED ERYTHEMA MULTIFORMAE – A CASE REPORT

Swathi Bhat* and Anuradha HV

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Erythema multiformae (EM) is an uncommon, acute eruption characterized by fixed, targetoid skin lesions with or without mild mucosal lesions. It is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction to bacteria, virus, drugs and chemicals. Bendamustine, a DNA alkylating agent, used in chronic lymphoid leukaemia, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Erythema multiformae is a rare, yet serious adverse effect seen with Bendamustine. Case report: This is a case report of a 51 year old female presented with complaints of breathlessness and cough with expectoration for 20 days. She was diagnosed to have low grade stage I Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patient was started on injection bendamustine. On the second day, patient complained of itchy skin lesions over upper limbs, lower limbs and neck. On examination, tender, palpable erythematous, targetoid skin lesions over the dorsal surface of defined areas were noted. Diagnosis of drug induced erythema multiformae was made. Conclusion: This case illustrates bendamustine, an efficacious and widely used alkylating agent, can induce serious adverse effect like erythema multiformae. However, continuous monitoring is essential in patients on bendamustine for such adverse reactions.

Keywords: Bendamustine, erythema multiformae, target lesions.