INTRODUCTION
Imatinib mesylate (STI 571) is an orally available tyrosine kinase
inhibitor targeting a constitutively activated BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors
alpha and beta, and KIT.1 It has proved effective in a variety of malignancies, including advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
(DFSP) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Several dermatologic toxicities have been associated with imatinib, most commonly a maculopapular rash.2 Hypopigmentation has also been frequently observed, affecting up to 41 percent of treated patients.3 We describe a rarely-reported imatinib-induced cutaneous
hyperpigmentation and graying of hair in the same patient.
CASE REPORT
A 44-year-old African American male had a history of recurrent and metastatic DFSP arising on the left posterior trunk. Imatinib mesylate (400 mg daily) was initiated for a subsequent local recurrence 20 years after the initial diagnosis. Eight weeks after
starting therapy, he developed mild-to-moderate peripheral edema, noticing the onset of a diffuse intensely pruritic eruption on the trunk and extremities two weeks later. Four and a half months into imatinib therapy, physical examination revealed a maculopapular rash involving the trunk and extremities. He also developed periorbital edema, oral candidiasis, mucositis and fissures of the soles. Imatinib dose was reduced to 300 mg per day; however, the skin eruption progressed to a severely pruritic rash over the next two months. His symptoms were refractory
to topical 1% hydrocortisone cream, tapered doses of oral prednisone and further reduction of imatinib to 200 mg per day. The eruption progressed over the next few weeks, became confluent, urticarial, and involved over 50% of the body surface area (BSA) (grade III). Hyperpigmentation also developed over multiple areas of the eruption. Due to this skin toxicity, imatinib was discontinued after seven months of therapy. The patient was again treated with tapering doses of oral prednisone resulting
in substantial improvement of pruritus and resolution of erythema and urticaria. However, prominent macular patches of hyperpigmentation persisted, and the patient was referred to the dermatology service.
When first seen in dermatology, four months after discontinuation
of imatinib, the patient reported a "burning sensation" of the buccal mucosa and graying of the scalp hair, which had begun shortly after starting imatinib. Physical examination revealed extensive patches of hyperpigmentation affecting greater than 50% of BSA, especially on the right popliteal fossa, right sole, arms, chest and inguinal area (Figure 1 a and b). Mul-
