Search

BACKGROUND: DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is associated with exposure to certain drugs. It is potentially fatal (20%), with significant dermatological manifestations and visceral involvement. The main treatment is the immediate withdrawal of the suspected drug, as well as the use of systemic corticosteroids. CLINICAL CASE: A 61-year-old female patient, who, after two weeks of ampicillin consumption, presented a generalized morbilliform skin rash, non-involving soles and palms, and also itchy and painful symmetrical erythematous plaques with lamellar scaling on the face and edema of lips and oral mucosa. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis with eosinophilia and lymphocytosis as well as impaired kidney and liver function. The histopathological study described hyperkeratosis, spongiosis, and inflammatory infiltrates in the superficial dermis. CONCLUSIONS: DRESS syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal drug reaction, which should be suspected in the presence of a morbilliform rash, fever, hypereosinophilia, as well as visceral involvement, to establish a timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications such as multi-organ failure, as well as mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]