Propylthiouracil hypersensitivity: Report of two patients with vasculitis and review of the literature

Two patients with a hypersensitivity vasculitis in association with propylt hiouracil (PTU) administration are described. Although both patients presen ted with a cutaneous eruption, our first patient suffered severe systemic m anifestations and the second patient's involvement was primarily limited to the skin. Patients with a vascular hypersensitivity reaction to PTU typica lly present with constitutional symptoms, acral purpuric skin lesions, and variable involvement of multiple organ systems. The reaction is treated by urgent withdrawal of PTU and implementation of supportive measures and immu nosuppressive agents, as necessary. Prompt recognition of this condition an d initiation of appropriate therapy lead to complete recovery in most cases .