Painful Leg Ulcers: A Misdiagnosed Case Report With Literature Review
Painful Leg Ulcers: A Misdiagnosed Case Report With Literature Review
A 56-year-old man presented with painful leg ulcers located on the left malleolus, tibia, the dorsal aspect of the feet and calves. He was initially treated with wound dressings, antibiotics, and other surgical debridement-'but these treatments were not effective. The results from laboratory and image examinations did not support the diagnosis of vascular and diabetic ulcerations or any specific infectious diseases. Subsequently, the patient confessed that he has been on medication with hydroxyurea for his granulocytic leukemia. The leg ulcers were fully cured after discontinuation of hydroxyurea. This case suggests that any medication the patient might be taking is always considered when evaluating a chronic ulcer.
Leg ulcers are a common symptom in patients with vascular disease. Ninety-five percent of chronic leg ulcers are due to ischemia, stasis, neurotrophic conditions, and other conditions, such as vasculitis, hypertension, and syphilis. The following case report presents an uncommon cause for a leg ulcer, which was initially suspected to be a vascular disease.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
A 56-year-old man presented with painful leg ulcers located on the left malleolus, tibia, the dorsal aspect of the feet and calves. He was initially treated with wound dressings, antibiotics, and other surgical debridement-'but these treatments were not effective. The results from laboratory and image examinations did not support the diagnosis of vascular and diabetic ulcerations or any specific infectious diseases. Subsequently, the patient confessed that he has been on medication with hydroxyurea for his granulocytic leukemia. The leg ulcers were fully cured after discontinuation of hydroxyurea. This case suggests that any medication the patient might be taking is always considered when evaluating a chronic ulcer.
Introduction
Leg ulcers are a common symptom in patients with vascular disease. Ninety-five percent of chronic leg ulcers are due to ischemia, stasis, neurotrophic conditions, and other conditions, such as vasculitis, hypertension, and syphilis. The following case report presents an uncommon cause for a leg ulcer, which was initially suspected to be a vascular disease.
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