Acral ulcers associated with hydroxyurea therapy in a patient with polycythemia vera

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an antitumor drug commonly used in haematological diseases. It is usually well tolerated, however, it may be associated with severe muco-cutaneous side effects such as acral ulcers. The pathogenesis of these ulcers is unknown, and their appearance is related to the main disease, time and dosage. They are very painful, often multiple, an spontenous resolution after drug suspension is observed. The malleolus region is the most common site affected. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with polycythemia vera treated with HU who developed acral ulcers after 3 years of treatment, with excellent response after drug discontinuation. For an opportune diagnosis and treatment of these side effects, it is very important to know of their existence and suspect that they may appear in advance.