Linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis induced by gemcitabine

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of linear immunoglobulin (Ig) A bullous dermato sis (LABD) induced by gemcitabine. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung in T4N2M0 stage and treated with cisplatin, vinorelbine, and ge mcitabine. Twenty-four hours after the administration of gemcitabine, a sym metric, bullous, herpetiform eruption appeared on his trunk and upper limbs . Histopathologic examination and direct immunofluorescence test were consi stent with IgA bullous dermatosis. Cutaneous lesions resolved two weeks aft er the drug was withdrawn and topical steroid treatment was Instituted. DISCUSSION: Drug-induced LABD is a variant of classic or idiopathic LABD, V ancomycin is the most frequently implicated drug, but other agents have bee n reported to cause LABD. According to the Naranjo probability scale, the r elationship of gemcitabine treatment with cutaneous eruption in our patient is possible. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of gemcitabine-induced LABD. Clinicia ns should monitor patients receiving this drug for signs of LABD.