Persistent severe amiodarone-induced photosensitivity.
Amiodarone, a benzofuran derivative, has been used therapeutically as an antiarrhythmic and coronary vasodilator in Europe since 1964. One of its commoner side effects is cutaneous photosensitivity; more rarely, after ingestion of the drug for around 12 months, a slate-grey or violaceous discoloration of sun-exposed sites may gradually develop. Both of these side effects usually resolve within 2 years of discontinuation of the drug. We now present a woman who developed both photosensitivity and a slate-grey discoloration whilst taking amiodarone; on discontinuation of the drug, the dyspigmentation gradually resolved, but the photosensitivity has persisted and the patient remains symptomatic more than 17 years later.
Yones
S S
SS
Photobiology Unit, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. Sami.yones@kcl.ac.uk
O'Donoghue
N B
NB
Palmer
R A
RA
Menagé
H du p
Hdu P
Hawk
J L M
JL
D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone