title: Imatinib-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) in two patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
abstract: Imatinib mesylate blocks bcr/abl kinase activity effectively, and thus is a promising drug in Philadelphia chromosome positive leukemias. While under imatinib treatment high hematological and cytogenetic response rates could be observed, usually only mild non-hematological side-effects like skin rash, edema, and muscular cramps occur. Here we report two severe cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to imatinib. In both patients the generalized pustular eruptions could be observed 12 wk after initiation of imatinib treatment. Numerous microbiological investigations excluded an infectious etiology, and histopathology of cutaneous lesions was consistent with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Accordingly, withdrawal of imatinib led to a restitutio at integrum of the integument. Our report confirms another single observation of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in chronic myeloid leukemia under imatinib therapy, and confirms that this is a rare but proven adverse effect of imatinib.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hämatologie und Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: Karl-Anton
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Kreuzer
authors.forename: Gökben
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baskaynak
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dörken
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: le Coutre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001549:Benzamides; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017444:Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate