Imatinib mesylate induced erythroderma: A rare case series

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved as a first line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Usually the drug is well-tolerated with hematological adverse effects being most commonly seen. Dermatological side effects are seen in 9.5-69% of patients on imatinib; majority of which are minor and self-limiting. We, hereby, report a case series of erythroderma occurring secondary to imatinib in two patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Both the patients improved upon the discontinuation of the drug. The literature review revealed only six probable cases of erythroderma due to imatinib. So, this case series is being reported for the rarity of this adverse effect of imatinib.