1.One mistake, one life at stake: A case of Methotrexate Toxicity in A 57-Year old male presenting with painful plaques with erosions
Maria Franchesca S. Quinio ; Elizabeth P. Prieto
Journal of the Philippine Medical Association 2017;95(2):48-53
Introduction:
Methotrexate is being given by dermatologists in only extreme cases of skin disorders such as in severe Psoriasis Vulgaris. Strict precautionary measures are done to avoid its well-known adverse effects. An early but less common sign of its toxicity are painful erosions on plaques. Methotrexate is an effective but potentially toxic treatment for different severe dermatologic disorders such as in severe Psoriasis Vulgaris. Meticulous and complete history-taking, physical examination and laboratory work-up to come up with a correct diagnosis as well as, knowledge of indications for treatment, proper dosing, folate supplementa-tion, monitoring, proper referral and early detection of its toxicity are important in order to avoid cutaneous and systemic adverse effects including death.
Case Report
A case of a 57-year old male with a 2-day history of painful erosions on plaques on both upper and lower extremities after eleven days of taking Methotrexate 2.5mg/tablet one tablet three times a day without folate supplementation. He was then being treated by a general physician as a case of Psoriasis Vulgaris. He was subsequently admitted under the Internal Medicine service due to epigastric pain, nausea, anorexia, generalized body weakness and passage of black tarry stools. He was referred to the Department of Dermatology for the painful erosions on plaques. He expired two days after admission due to Acute Respiratory Failure. Post-mortem Skin punch biopsy was done and revealed chronic eczematous dermatitis consistent with Lichen Simplex Chronicus with superimposed drug induced hypersensitivity reaction.
Neurodermatitis
2.Lupus panniculitis in an ANA-negative systemic Lupus Erythematosus patient: A case report
Ma. Corazon A. Iniego-Rodas ; Maria Franchesca Quinio ; Charlene Ang-Tiu
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2021;30(1):45-48
Introduction:
Lupus panniculitis (LP) is an unusual type of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) wherein the cutaneous inflam-
matory reaction involves primarily the deeper dermis and subcutaneous fat. It is characterized by the appearance of recurrent,
mostly asymptomatic, firm, nodules or plaques, involving the face, upper limbs, and buttocks.
Case report:
In our case, a 30-year-old female presented with a non-tender, non-movable nodule on the left breast, 6 weeks
prior to her admission. She had fever, chills, and joint pains. The patient later developed hyperpigmented plaques on the infra-
clavicular area, and left flank extending to the abdomen. Urinalysis showed proteinuria, and RBC cast. She also had leukopenia,
and anemia on CBC. Chest computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed a heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue mass in the
base of the neck at the right infraclavicular region with malignant features. ANA titer was normal, while skin biopsy on two sites
and direct immunofluorescence studies were compatible with lupus panniculitis. She was managed as a case of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) using a combination of hydroxychloroquine, and oral corticosteroids, which afforded temporary relief of
symptoms. The patient however was lost to follow-up and opted for alternative medicine, and subsequently succumbed to the
complications of SLE.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of a carefully made assessment after an accurate clinicopathological cor-
relation was done. This case also emphasizes that although LP if associated with SLE may signify a milder condition, judicious
monitoring and follow-up must still be undertaken since management is based on the disease activity.
Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus
3.Multiple neurofibromas with hypertrichosis in a Filipino patient with neurofibromatosis 1.
Leah Antoinette M. CARO-CHANG ; Maria Franchesca S. QUINIO ; Georgina C. PASTORFIDE
Acta Medica Philippina 2019;53(2):186-190
This is a case of an 11-year-old male who presented with multiple neurofibromas with hypertrichosis. Classic cutaneous neurofibromas, café-au-lait macules, axillary freckling, Lisch nodules, and scoliosis were also present fulfilling a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1. This is the first report of multiple neurofibromas with hypertrichosis in the Philippines. Hypertrichosis overlying a neurofibroma is rarely reported and the mechanism remains to be elucidated.
Human ; Neurofibromatosis 1 ; Hypertrichosis ; Neurofibroma