Acrocyanosis from phenazopyridine-induced sulfhemoglobinemia mistaken for Raynaud phenomenon

Abstract

Rheumatologists are often asked to evaluate patients with Raynaud phenomenon. Occasionally, an alternate explanation is revealed such as acrocyanosis. Methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia are rare causes of cyanosis that can be medication-induced. Both are known complications of therapy with phenazopyridine. We report an unusual case of a 45-year-old woman in whom sulfhemoglobinemia from chronic therapy with phenazopyridine was misdiagnosed as due to Raynaud phenomenon and limited scleroderma. This case illustrates the importance of taking into account medication-related adverse events when evaluating patients with Raynaud-like phenomenon.