Case Report: Nicolau syndrome due to etofenamate injection [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

• Main Authors: Emin Ozlu, Aysegul Baykan, Ragıp Ertas, Yılmaz Ulas, Kemal Ozyurt, Atıl Avcı, Halit Baykan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2017-06-01
• Series: F1000Research
• Subjects: Drug Eruptions
• Online Access: https://f1000research.com/articles/6-867/v1

Nicolau syndrome, also known as embolia cutis medicomentosa, is a rare complication characterized by tissue necrosis that occurs after injection of drugs. The exact pathogenesis is uncertain, but there are several hypotheses, including direct damage to the end artery and cytotoxic effects of the drug. Severe pain in the immediate postinjection period and purplish discoloration of the skin with reticulate pigmentary pattern is characteristic of this syndrome. Diagnosis is mainly clinical and there is no standard treatment for the disease. Etofenamate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Cutaneous adverse findings caused by etofenamate are uncommon. Herein, we present a case with diagnosis of Nicolau syndrome due to etofenamate injection, which is a rare occurrence.