Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Secondary to Pyridostigmine (Mestinon): Report of a Possible First Case

Perm J. 2017:21:15-240. doi: 10.7812/TPP/15-240. Epub 2016 Nov 18.

Abstract

Introduction: Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. We describe a patient who developed a rash after recently being started on pyridostigmine and give a general review of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Case presentation: A 91-year-old man was diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis. He was started on pyridostigmine, and 2 weeks later he developed a rash. The rash was biopsied and found to be secondary to leukocytoclastic vasculitis; the pyridostigmine was stopped, loratadine was started, and the rash resolved.

Discussion: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is commonly caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to medications, or it can be associated with certain medical conditions. We present a brief review of the most common medications and medical conditions known to cause this reaction, but to our knowledge this is the first description of pyridostigmine causing this reaction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Loratadine / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy*
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / adverse effects*
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / therapeutic use
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Loratadine
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide

Supplementary concepts

  • Erythema elevatum diutinum