The Cytarabine induced Ara-C Ears: A Case Report and Literature Review
Abstract
Ara-C ears is a variant of toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) presents with erythematous patches or edema on the pinnae of the ear with pain, burning, pruritus, paresthesias and tenderness. It was first reported in 1990 by Krulder et al. This condition cause by cytarabine also known as Ara-C directly toxic to the eccrine duct, the acrosyringium and the epidermis. Ara-C ears is a rare side effect because low density of eccrine gland on the ear.
We report a 39 year-old Thai male with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was treated with 3+7 regimen of chemotherapy (cytarabine, idarubicin). He developed erythematous rash on both ears after 5 days of this regimen. He was diagnosed to be Ara-C ears. His symptom was resolve after discontinue cytarabine and supportive treatment with momethasone cream, loratadine and hydroxyzine. Then he was rechallenged with a high dose cytarabine without any symptom. If Ara-C ears is not severe, the chemotherapy will not discontinue. According to the most benefit of patient’s treatment.
Keywords : Cytarabine, Ara-C ears, rash
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