Chemotherapy-induced skin toxicity and capillary leak syndrome

Background: The occurrence of chemotherapy-related adverse cutaneous reactions in the setting of capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is quite rare. Our objective was to identify the type of skin reactions associated with CLS. Methods: Leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients between January 2010 and December 2017 were identified, and medical records were reviewed for a dermatology consultation occurring concomitantly with CLS. Results: Five patients were identified, two with a diagnosis of toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) and three others with a skin diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Pathology of all patients was available for clinical-pathologic confirmation. Conclusions: Although TEC is generally self-limited, both TEC and TEN can present with severe adverse skin manifestations during CLS secondary to toxicity from chemotherapy.