Work

Bevacizumab-induced subungual hemorrhage

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration can be treated with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-inhibiting monoclonal antibody bevacizumab. Currently, bevacizumab therapy is associated with known skin-related side effects, such as rash, mucosal hemorrhage, and hemorrhagic ulcers. While subungual "splinter" hemorrhage is a documented side effect of VEGF receptor antagonists and Raf protein inhibitors, there are no prior reports of bevacizumab-induced subungual hemorrhage to the best of our knowledge. Thus, we present the case of a 71-year-old female diagnosed with bilateral age-related macular degeneration, who, during six months of intravitreal bevacizumab treatment, began noticing fingernail discoloration, described as similar to that of a bruise. Given our patient's history of bevacizumab therapy and the documented reports of bevacizumab-associated mucosal and ulcerative hemorrhage, we hypothesize that the discoloration and hemorrhage are likely unreported adverse effects associated with bevacizumab therapy.

Source: Dermatology Online Journal

DOI: 10.5070/d330564427

Authors: Jacob J Owen, Sloan Long, Kimberly Mullinax, John Griffin

Institution: Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Chemotherapy-related skin toxicity

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $300