Successful treatment of hydroxyurea-associated panniculitis and vasculitis with low-dose methotrexate

Multiple cardiac surgical procedures in a case of an octogenarian with essential thrombocythemia

BACKGROUND

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an elevation of platelet counts with a tendency for thrombosis and hemorrhage. The perioperative management of cardiovascular surgery of an ET patient is complicated. There is limited literature on the perioperative management of patients with ET undergoing cardiovascular surgery, particularly those requiring multiple procedures.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 85-year-old woman with a history of essential thrombocythemia (ET), which resulted in an abnormally high platelet count, was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, ischemic heart disease and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. She underwent aortic valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, and pulmonary vein isolation. The postoperative course was uneventful, nor hemorrhage and thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We represent a case of perioperative management and successful treatment of three combined cardiac surgery for an octogenarian ET patient who is the oldest case ever reported.

Hydroxyurea: a reappraisal of its cutaneous side effects and their management

Hydroxyurea (HU) is known to cause a broad spectrum of cutaneous side effects, ranging from relatively benign to severe. Although dermatologists are often consulted for the treatment of these side effects, a comprehensive resource discussing the different types and their management is lacking. In this study, we conducted a literature search in order to critically evaluate the reported types and management of hydroxyurea's cutaneous side effects, as well as review its mechanism of action, dermatologic uses, and common systemic side effects. Relatively common and benign side effects include hyperpigmentation, xerosis, and skin atrophy. While serious cutaneous side effects such as leg ulcers or nonmelanoma skin cancers occur in a substantial proportion of patients, these may resolve with HU discontinuation and proper dermatologic management. Therefore, it is crucial for dermatologists to be aware of these various cutaneous side effects and their management as prompt diagnosis and proper treatment will improve patient outcomes.