Nicorandil-induced leg ulceration without mucosal involvement.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Dermatology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Nicorandil is a medication used for angina.
• Nicorandil-induced ulcers commonly affect mucosal surfaces.
• Cutaneous ulcers are rare and often occur with mucosal involvement.

Observation:

• A patient developed a leg ulcer.
• The ulcer did not heal with standard compression therapy.
• Nicorandil was identified as the likely cause.

Findings:

• Discontinuation of nicorandil led to rapid improvement and healing of the leg ulcer.
• This case represents the first reported instance of nicorandil-induced leg ulceration without concurrent mucosal ulcers.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider nicorandil as a potential cause of cutaneous leg ulcers, even in the absence of mucosal lesions.
• This finding expands the known spectrum of nicorandil adverse effects.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms of nicorandil-induced cutaneous ulceration is warranted.