Embolia cutis medicamentosa also known as Nicolau syndrome, livedoid dermatitis characterised by severe painful local necrosis at the site of injected medicament [1,2]. Intense pain and purplish discoloration of overlying skin, with or without reticulate pattern subsequently followed by tissue necrosis and scarring is highly specific for this syndrome. Initially described by Nicolau and Frudenthal as an adverse effect with use of bismuth salts intramuscularly in syphilis patients [3]. Clinically, patient manifests with intense pain at the injection site, followed by bluish discoloration of overlying skin assuming reticulate pattern, referred as non-inflammatory retiform purpura, livedo-like dermatitis.² In later stages, discoloured area undergoes necrosis and ulceration may involve sub-cutis and underlying muscles.

Embolia cutis medicamentosa or Livedoid-like dermatitis (Nicolau syndrome) is an uncommon iatrogenic complication characterised by variable degree of skin and tissue necrosis, likely to follow intramuscular injection [2]. Cases have been reported following intramuscular injection of vitamin-K [4], diclofenac [5], bismuth [6], benzathine penicillin [7], gentamycin [8] and vaccination [9]. It has also been reported following intravenous polidocanol 1% [10], intra-articular corticosteroids [11], subcutaneous injections of pegylated interferon-α [12] and sclerotherapy for pyogenic granuloma [13].

The exact etio-pathogenesis of this syndrome is not known. Probable explanations for the ischemic necrosis of the skin and deep tissues seen in this syndrome includes, vasospasm secondary to needle prick, pressure of material placed around vessel and embolization of the injected material [7]. Cutaneous necrosis seen following bismuth salt injections in syphilis patients were thought to be due to high viscosity of salts causing blockage arterioles. Application of cold compresses can aggravate necrosis [14].

Complications like paralysis of limb has been reported which is attributed to embolization of medication into the internal iliac vessels [15]. Late complications such as contractures and deformities can occur due to scarring process that needs surgical correction [6]. Soft tissue sarcoma can occur as a rare complication at the site of tissue necrosis [16].

Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Nicolau syndrome has to be differentiated from necrotising fasciitis. In the latter, there is rapidly spreading infection of the sub-cutis and fascia due to haemolytic streptococci and other anaerobes. Necrotising fasciitis usually occurs following surgery or after a deep penetrating injury and manifests with intense pain with erythema of the skin later becomes purplish and ulcerates. On X-ray there is often presence of air in the tissues. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging often helpful to delineate the extent of damage in the tissues [2].

Early institution of treatment has been reported to avert the extent of necrosis. Measures to improve the vascularity such as pentoxyphylline, hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous alprostadil and thrombolysis with heparin has been tried in the immediate post-event period [2]. Surgical debridement and systemic antibiotics play pivotal role in controlling infection. Since it can occur to common drugs it is very important for the Dermatologists to be aware of this rare iatrogenic disfiguring condition.

The examination of the patient was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki principles.