[Ulcers in vulva and perineum induced by an anti-anginal drug]

Abstract

Nicorandil is a type of nicotinamide ester used for the treatment of angina and ischaemic heart disease. A 67-year-old woman was referred to a pelvic floor unit with possible vulvar cancer. She had a painful 2 × 1.5 cm punched-out ulcer. A biopsy showed inflammation, but no evidence of malignancy, infection or dysplasia. She had angina which had been controlled with nicorandil for the past six years. After nearly two years of treatment and examinations nicorandil-induced ulceration was suspected and in liaison with cardiologist, the nicorandil treatment was discontinued. Within a few months, the pain settled, and her ulcers healed.