Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia induced by Hirudo medicinalis (leeches)
Research article published in Journal of complementary & integrative medicine (2019)
Abstract
For centuries, Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech) has been used as a remedy to treat many discomforts, such as muscle and joint pain. Nowadays, using leech in reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, wound and flap healing, venous insufficiency, varicosities and many other disorders has increased. In this study, we report a 45 year old female patient with six pruritic papules on her legs since10 months ago that appeared about 4 weeks after one session of leech application. Skin biopsy was performed on one of the papules, and in histopathology, superficial ulceration with a dense superficial and deep inflammatory infiltrate within the dermis composed of lymphocytes and eosinophils detected that considering history of leech application at this site, these constellation of data was compatible with the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia induced by leeches and the patient was cured by a topical steroid and cryotherapy.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
For centuries, Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech) has been used as a remedy to treat many discomforts, such as muscle and joint pain. Nowadays, using leech in reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, wound and flap healing, venous insufficiency, varicosities and many other disorders has increased.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este reporte de caso documenta a una paciente femenina de 45 años que desarrolló seis pápulas pruriginosas en las piernas aproximadamente cuatro semanas después de una sesión única de aplicación de sanguijuelas, con histopatología que mostraba ulceración superficial y un denso infiltrado inflamatorio dérmico de linfocitos y eosinófilos atribuido a la aplicación previa de sanguijuelas. Para la hirudoterapia, esto representa una reacción adversa cutánea documentada tras el uso de sanguijuelas medicinales, relevante para clínicos e investigadores interesados en el perfil de seguridad de las aplicaciones de Hirudo medicinalis. La paciente fue tratada con éxito con un esteroide tópico y crioterapia. Sin embargo, como reporte de caso único, no aporta datos controlados, ninguna investigación mecanística sobre qué factores asociados a las sanguijuelas pudieron haber estado involucrados, ni información sobre incidencia; su relevancia se limita por tanto a ilustrar la reacción adversa de un individuo en lugar de establecer riesgo o mecanismo.
Citación
Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia induced by Hirudo medicinalis (leeches).
Sadati M et al. · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine, 2019
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026