Persistent serpentine supravenous hyperpigmented eruption associated with docetaxel

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 May;19(3):345-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2005.01088.x.

Abstract

Various mucocutaneous reactions have been reported with the use of systemic docetaxel. We describe a 47-year-old man who developed a persistent serpentine supravenous hyperpigmented eruption (PSSHE), beginning at the site of docetaxel injection and spreading along the superficial venous network in the anterior aspect of the right forearm and distal arm. The eruption occurred after the first infusion of docetaxel following insufficient venous washing. A second infusion was administered through a vein in the other forearm, but this time, abundant venous washing was performed and a similar eruption did not occur. To our knowledge, this is the second report of docetaxel-induced supravenous discoloration and we discussed the terminology and mechanism of this unique reaction.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / adverse effects*
  • Arm
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Docetaxel
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / chemically induced*
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Taxoids / adverse effects*
  • Veins

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Taxoids
  • Docetaxel