Meyerson's naevi induced by interferon alfa plus ribavirin combination therapy in hepatitis C infection

Severe polymorphic erythema due to interferon α-2b during treatment of hairy cell leukemia

A 54-year-old woman with hairy cell leukemia developed severe polymorphic erythema and blisters on the trunk and limbs after injection of interferon (IFN) α-2b. Skin biopsy revealed lymphocytic exocytosis and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis, and the lesions improved after methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Although injection-site reactions have been observed after injection of IFNα-2b, this is the first report of a widespread cutaneous reaction to IFNα-2b.

Dermatofibroma and halo dermatitis

The occurrence of a halo of dermatitis surrounding acquired naevi was initially reported by Meyerson in 1971 with histological features of focal spongiosis, parakeratosis, irregular acanthosis and a lymphocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis. When the same inflammatory reaction occurs around other lesions it is referred to as the Meyerson phenomenon or halo dermatitis. We report a rare case of the Meyerson phenomenon occurring around a dermatofibroma in a 69-year-old woman. This case highlights that the phenomenon may occur in a broad range of clinical scenarios and is not limited to acquired naevi in young adults.

Meyerson phenomenon

BACKGROUND

Meyerson phenomenon is an uncommon clinical condition that is characterized by an eczematous halo surrounding a preexisting melanocytic nevus and numerous other lesions. The etiology of this condition is unknown. We suggest that the mechanism is due to the interaction between CD4 T lymphocytes and increased expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1).

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a concise overview of Meyerson phenomenon.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We present the case of a 37-year-old female with an inflamed nevus located on her thigh from no evident cause. Her condition resolved with surgical excision of the nevus. Histopathology of the specimen demonstrated spongiosis and lymphocytic infiltrate with eosinophils, which confirmed the diagnosis of Meyerson phenomenon.

CONCLUSION

Meyerson phenomenon can resolve spontaneously or with treatment of either topical steroids or surgical excision. The main concern with benign lesions presenting with inflammation is malignant transformation; thus, clinicians need to be more aware of Meyerson phenomenon.

A review of adverse cutaneous drug reactions resulting from the use of interferon and ribavirin

Drug-induced cutaneous eruptions are named among the most common side effects of many medications. Thus, cutaneous drug eruptions are a common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in hospital settings. The present article reviews different presentations of drug-induced cutaneous eruptions, with a focus on eruptions reported secondary to the use of interferon and ribavirin. Presentations include injection site reactions, psoriasis, eczematous drug reactions, alopecia, sarcoidosis, lupus, fixed drug eruptions, pigmentary changes and lichenoid eruptions. Also reviewed are findings regarding life-threatening systemic drug reactions.