Author/Authors :
Chaabane, Amel Department of Pharmacology - University of Medicine - Monastir, Tunisia , Ben Fadhel, Najah Department of Pharmacology - University of Medicine - Monastir, Tunisia , Chadli, Zohra Department of Pharmacology - University of Medicine - Monastir, Tunisia , Ben Fredj, Nadia Department of Pharmacology - University of Medicine - Monastir, Tunisia , Boughattas, Naceur A Department of Pharmacology - University of Medicine - Monastir, Tunisia , Aouam, Karim Department of Pharmacology - University of Medicine - Monastir, Tunisia
Abstract :
We describe, the first case of phenobarbital-induced DRESS syndrome presenting as a
lichenoïd eruption.
A 49-year-old man had received phenobarbital for a cerebral metastasis. Twenty-five days
later, he developed a purplish skin eruption, odynophagia, oral mucosal erosion and fever.
Physical examination revealed a cervical lymphadenopathy and facial edema associated to a
diffuse violaceous maculo-papular itchy rash. Laboratory findings showed a 1200/mm3
eosinophil’s cell count. Alanine aminotransferase was 169 IU/l. Lactate dehydrogenase and
creatinine phosphokinase were at 768 and 90 IU/l, respectively. All symptoms resolved
completely five weeks after phenobarbital withdrawal. Few days later, the patient died
because of a cardio-respiratory arrest.
