Pemetrexed-Induced Pseudocellulitis: A Diagnostic Conundrum

Authors

Luke A. Horton
Alexis B. Lyons, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Michael C. Kwa, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Marsha Chaffins, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Jesse Veenstra, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Horton LA, Lyons AB, Kwa MC, Chaffins ML, and Veenstra J. Pemetrexed-Induced Pseudocellulitis: A Diagnostic Conundrum. Cureus 2024; 16(1):e52114.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Pemetrexed, an anti-folate, antineoplastic agent, effectively treats various malignancies such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma. Here, we report two cases of recurrent pemetrexed-induced lower extremity erythema and edema, one in a 60-year-old male and the other in a 47-year-old male, who were both treated for recurrent cellulitis on multiple occasions before finally being diagnosed with pemetrexed-induced pseudocellulitis (PIP), a rarely reported adverse effect. This is an important diagnostic pitfall for clinicians to be aware of, as early recognition may minimize patient morbidity and prevent unnecessary hospitalization and antibiotic use for presumed cellulitis.

PubMed ID

38344595

Volume

16

Issue

1

First Page

52114

Last Page

52114