Melanoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Melanoma, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Livedo reticularis associated with interferon alpha therapy in two melanoma patients.

Ruiz-Genao DP, García-F-Villalta MJ, Hernández-Núñez A, Ríos-Buceta L, Fernández-Herrera J, García-Díez A

Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain. diana@aedv.es

We report two patients who developed intense livedo reticularis clearly related to the administration of interferon alpha 2b as an adjuvant therapy for melanoma. Histological studies showed scattered perivascular infiltrates without vasculitis. Laboratory tests excluded any underlying condition. Resolution of the symptoms was observed in both patients when interferon alpha was withdrawn. These cases highlight the occurrence of livedo reticularis as an uncommon side-effect of interferon alpha treatment.

Published 8 March 2005 in J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 19(2): 252-4.
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