title: Propylthiouracil hypersensitivity: report of two patients with vasculitis and review of the literature.
abstract: Two patients with a hypersensitivity vasculitis in association with propylthiouracil (PTU) administration are described. Although both patients presented with a cutaneous eruption, our first patient suffered severe systemic manifestations and the second patient's involvement was primarily limited to the skin. Patients with a vascular hypersensitivity reaction to PTU typically present with constitutional symptoms, acral purpuric skin lesions, and variable involvement of multiple organ systems. The reaction is treated by urgent withdrawal of PTU and implementation of supportive measures and immunosuppressive agents, as necessary. Prompt recognition of this condition and initiation of appropriate therapy lead to complete recovery in most cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. chastain@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chastain
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Boh
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Chastain
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Falabella
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Millikan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018366:Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D011441:Propylthiouracil