Perioperative retinoic acid syndrome in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a vitamin A derivative, is prescribed for induction of chemotherapy in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Like other chemotherapy agents, ATRA has an adverse effect known as retinoic acid syndrome. The case of a 22 year old woman with acute promyelocytic leukemia, who received ATRA and subsequently developed retinoic acid syndrome, is presented. The patient's symptoms resolved after administration of dexamethasone, allowing the completion of chemotherapy without further complications.