Cutaneous vasculitis associated with interferon beta-1b treatment for multiple sclerosis

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2009 Sep-Oct;32(5):301-3. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181a2b5fd.

Abstract

We report a 38-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, treated with subcutaneous injections of interferon beta (IFN-beta)-1b every other day. Disseminated cutaneous lesions were observed after 3 injections. These symptoms reappeared after drug readministration. The histopathological examination of the skin specimens confirmed nonspecific cutaneous lymphocytic vasculitis. The patient's outcome was favorable after corticosteroid placement and discontinuing IFN-beta therapy. Isolated lymphocytic cutaneous vasculitis linked to IFN-beta-1b therapy is suspected as a new association.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / pathology

Substances

  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta