Background: Acquired ichthyosis (AI) has been described in a variety o
f clinical situations. We have observed cases of ichthyosis in bone ma
rrow transplant recipients. Objective: Our purpose was to characterize
these changes clinically and histologically and to compare them with
other cases of acquired ichthyosis. Methods: Skin biopsy specimens wer
e taken before transplantation and from affected areas after transplan
tation. Results: AI was observed in four patients who had received a b
one marrow transplant for leukemia. None of the patients had a previou
s personal or family history of ichthyosis. In all patients graft-vers
us-host disease developed after transplantation. The eruption clinical
ly and histologically most closely resembled ichthyosis vulgaris. The
ichthyotic changes appeared to be unrelated to specific drug therapy.
Conclusion: Al is a previously unreported cutaneous complication of bo
ne marrow transplantation. It may be related to graft-versus-host dise
ase in these patients.