Abstract
The patient was a 50-year-old woman. Proteinuria had been detected when she was 28 years old. In May 2004, renal failure was diagnosed and she was referred to our institution. On May 25 th, polyurethane vascular graft (Thoratec®) was implanted in her left antebrachium. On June 10 th, exudative erythema with small bulla appeared around the vascular graft and systemic edematous erythema appeared. Patch test was performed, and Thoratec® was positive 72 hours later. Skin biopsy from the tissue both around the vascular graft and back skin revealed findings compatible with contact dermatitis, and a diagnosis of systemic contact dermatitis was made. Eosinophilia was very mild. Intravenous corticosteroid was given. On June 22 nd, Thoratec® was removed surgically. Because the allergen must be removed completely, we were careful to avoid leaving any fragment of Thoratec®. Postoperatively, abscess occurred under the wound and drainage was required. After removing Thoratec®, eosinophilia worsened remarkably. We treated the patient with systemic corticosteroid therapy, and her symptom improved in two months. There is no previous report of allergy of Thoratec®.
