Pemetrexed-Induced Pseudocellulitis: A Diagnostic Conundrum

Pemetrexed, an anti-folate, antineoplastic agent, effectively treats various malignancies such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma. Here, we report two cases of recurrent pemetrexed-induced lower extremity erythema and edema, one in a 60-year-old male and the other in a 47-year-ol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-01, Vol.16 (1), p.e52114
Main Authors: Horton, Luke A, Lyons, Alexis B, Kwa, Michael C, Chaffins, Marsha L, Veenstra, Jesse
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibiotics
Biopsy
Cellulitis
Compression therapy
Dihydrofolate reductase
Edema
Erythema
Etiology
Fever
Histology
Medical diagnosis
Metastasis
Neutrophils
Patients
Steroids
Thrombosis
Ultrasonic imaging
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Summary:Pemetrexed, an anti-folate, antineoplastic agent, effectively treats various malignancies such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma. Here, we report two cases of recurrent pemetrexed-induced lower extremity erythema and edema, one in a 60-year-old male and the other in a 47-year-old male, who were both treated for recurrent cellulitis on multiple occasions before finally being diagnosed with pemetrexed-induced pseudocellulitis (PIP), a rarely reported adverse effect. This is an important diagnostic pitfall for clinicians to be aware of, as early recognition may minimize patient morbidity and prevent unnecessary hospitalization and antibiotic use for presumed cellulitis.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.52114