ACRODERMATITIS CONTINUA OF HALLOPEAU IN A PATIENT WITH MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a rare manifestation of pustular psoriasis which may considerably disable affected patients. I n this case report we confirm the efficacy of acitretin in the treatme nt of ACH and, in addition, describe the course of the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) from which the patient was suffering. During acitretin treatment, there was a transformation into acute myeloid leukaemia. W e discuss the effect of retinoids on the bone marrow of normal subject s, patients with MDS, and patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Our e xperience in the present case, and the information from the available literature, lead us to advise against the use of the aromatic retinoid s, acitretin and etretinate, in patients with MDS. If such treatment i s indicated, intensive haematological supervision is mandatory.