CATASTROPHIC COMPLICATIONS OF CHEMOTHERAPY EXTRAVASATION

Abstract

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment. Hematological side effects are well described; however, not many dermatological complications have been reported. We present a case of fatal necrotizing fasciitis (NF) secondary to chemotherapy extravasation. CASE PRESENTATION: 55-year-old African American man with anaplastic ALK-negative large T cell lymphoma presented with fatigue, fevers, and palpitations for several weeks. Physical examination was remarkable for tachycardia and tachypnea; he required 4 liters of supplemental oxygen to saturate >90%. Laboratory workup was remarkable for WBC 18.200 m/mm3 and ESR 67 mm/h. CT scan revealed significant mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The symptoms were attributed to the malignancy and CHOP chemotherapy was started. Shortly thereafter, a painful blister at the infusion site was noted. It was deemed to be a local cutaneous vesicant effect from doxorubicin; chemotherapy was stopped and topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was applied. No infectious process was identified but the patient continued to be febrile and tachycardic. He developed hypotension hence broad-spectrum antibiotics were started. His respiratory status deteriorated and he was intubated. A new subcutaneous tissue induration near the blister rose concern for necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and he was emergently taken to the OR. The fascia was compromised and the biceps muscle was found to be necrotic. He underwent multiple surgical debridements; however, he developed septic shock and died. DISCUSSION: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are a rare but potentially fatal complication of chemotherapy. As vesicants, doxorubicin, and vincristine extravasation is known to result in tissue necrosis. Doxorubicin, an anthracycline, is associated with the highest risk for cutaneous damage. Other risk factors are immunosuppression, obesity, and previous frequent blood draws. DMSO helps with the reabsorption of chemotherapeutics. NF is characterized by rapid fascial destruction with relative skin-sparing; accompanied by pain and systemic toxicity. Prompt identification is of paramount importance; however, the diagnosis is challenging as early symptoms tend to be vague. Early surgical debridement and fasciotomy improve survival; broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage and hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be started rapidly as well. Overwhelming sepsis leads to death in more than 70% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy extravasation can cause severe skin lesions and death. Initial symptoms may be mild, however, a high degree of suspicion is needed as delays in treatment are associated with poor outcomes. REFERENCE #1: Kreidieh FY, Moukadem HA, El Saghir NS. Overview, prevention and management of chemotherapy extravasation. World J Clin Oncol. 2016;7(1):87-97. doi:10.5306/wjco.v7.i1.87 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Daniel Bustamante-Soliz, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Dennis Kumi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Valeria Trelles Garcia, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Catherine Weir, source=Web Response