Stanozolol causes rapid pain relief and healing of cutaneous ulcers caused by cryofibrinogenemia.

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous manifestations of cryofibrinogenemia include purpura, ecchymosis, and ulcerations. The histology of these lesions is characterized by intravascular thrombi.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to test the efficacy of stanozolol, a drug capable of fibrinolytic enhancement, in treating cutaneous ulcers caused by cryofibrinogenemia.

METHODS

Eight patients with cutaneous ulcerations from cryofibrinogenemia were treated with stanozolol. Plasma cryofibrinogen was measured before and during treatment with stanozolol. Histologic evaluation was also performed before treatment and in selected patients during treatment.

RESULTS

After treatment, seven of the eight patients had healing of their ulcers, prompt reduction in their pain, and improvement in livedo reticularis and purpura. Four of the eight patients had no detectable plasma cryofibrinogen after treatment. In addition, dermal intravascular thrombi resolved. Stanozolol was well tolerated and had minimal side effects.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that stanozolol is a safe and effective treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of cryofibrinogenemia.