Introduction:

Gemcitabine is an antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of a large number of malignant neoplasms. It is frequently associated with adverse skin reactions such as pruritus, rush or alopecia. Less frequently, it has been associated with a condition called "pseudocellulitis". In this study, we present a case of a patient with recurrent pseudocellulitis after treatment with gemcitabine.

Case description:

Oncological patient, he had history of lymphedema in the lower extremity, is referred to consultation with complaint of recurrent cellulitis in the homolateral lower extremity from the infusion arm of gemcitabine. The patient does not have fever. It presents well-defined erythema, pitting edema, warmth and tenderness to palpation. Analytical values were normal, and evidence of deep vein thrombosis is not observed. Based on the clinical findings, acute and recurrent nature of the pathology, a diagnosis of pseudocellulitis induced by gemcitabine was reached. The patient was treated with antihistamines and nonesteroideal anti-inflammatory. At the end of the follow-up, the patient showed a marked improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion:

In patients treated with gemcitabine, who present episodes of cellulitis, it is important to establish clinically and analytically, whether or not it is an infectious cellulitis. Since it is a case of pseudocellulitis, the treatment is not composed of antibiotics and the period of hospitalization will be shorter.

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