Abstract

Serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation (SSH) is a rare complexity arising from antineoplastic therapy. Vinorelbine, a chemotherapeutic drug that is frequently used for the treatment of breast and lung cancer, contributes to the etiology of SSH. A 54 years old male patient was being treated for lung adenocarcinoma. An intravenous (IV) infusion of vinorelbine was administered in the distal dorsal vein of the left forearm. Erythematous hyperpigmentation at the infusion area was observed a week after the administration of the chemotherapeutic drug. The initial symptoms of SSH usually appear between 1 to 15 days post IV administration of a cytotoxic drug, and it spontaneously becomes hyperpigmented within 1-3 weeks. However, these local reactions can be prevented by applying IV infusion for a short period (15-30 min) along with adequate venous irrigation (75-124 mL) instead of bolus administration. The termination of the drug can also be considered.