Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by hydroxychloroquine

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Dec;28(12):1449-52. doi: 10.1007/s10067-009-1262-4. Epub 2009 Aug 30.

Abstract

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are both severe cutaneous adverse reactions, mostly to drugs. Although predominantly involving skin, they differ significantly in presentations, prognosis, pathology, immunogenesis, and treatment. They have very rarely been described to occur simultaneously in a patient, manifesting as AGEP-TEN overlap. We describe a 67-year-old Chinese lady with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with features of AGEP but evolved to AGEP-TEN overlap as an adverse reaction to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment. This case is the first reported case of AGEP-TEN overlap secondary to HCQ and highlights the need for constant surveillance for rare adverse events that may manifest even after decades of use of the drug worldwide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / pathology
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Azathioprine