Hydroxyurea-induced Amyopathic Dermatomyositis

Abstract

Background: Hydroxyurea-induced amyopathic dermatomyositis is a rare complication of prolonged therapy based on this antimetabolite. We report in the light of data literature a new case of this entity to remind this complication mainly observed in patient treated for chronic myeloid leukemia. Materials and methods: We report the case of a 49-year-old woman, followed for chronic myeloid leukemia, who was under Hydroxyurea for 3 years and which presented a dermatomyositis-like eruption with many other mucocutaneous side effects. Results: The skin examination revealed on the dorsum of the hands and the posterior aspect of the elbow joints Gottron’s papules. In addition, dry skin, oral and facial hyperpigmentation, bilateral ulcers on both heels with alopecia plaques of the scalp were noted. On the other hand, there were no clinical or para-clinical signs of proximal muscle weakness. Stopping the Hydroxyurea allowed around 5 months a clear improvement of the skin lesions. Conclusion: Hydroxyurea-induced amyopathic dermatomyositis is a rare entity that simulates from a cutaneous point of view a classic dermatomyositis without being accompanied by clinical or para-clinical manifestations of myositis.