Terlipressin-related Ischaemic Necrosis of the Skin: A Rare Complication

Abstract

Terlipressin is used for the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis. Adverse effects are usually minimal. However, potentially serious side effects such as skin necrosis involving the extremities, scrotum, trunk and abdominal skin can rarely occur. Our patient had greater skin involvement than other described cases. We present the case of a patient with extensive skin necrosis, unrelated to the infusion site, in the lower and upper limbs, scrotum and abdomen after the use of terlipressin. Skin necrosis secondary to terlipressin is a rare complication and early identification is essential so the drug can be immediately suspended.

Keywords

• terlipressin
• vasoconstrictor agents
• skin necrosis
• hepatorenal syndrome
• liver cirrhosis