Danielle R. Lyon, BS; Olaitan Akinboboye, MD, MPH; Pragya Virendrakumar Jain, MD; Pinky Jha, MD, MPH
WMJ. 2022;121(3):e63-e65
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but consequential and often life-threatening disorder that is most often drug-induced.
Case Presentation: An 81-year-old Black man presented with 5 days of dysphagia, odynophagia, and rash. He said he had begun a course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 6 days prior for a presumed urinary tract infection. Owing to the cutaneous lesions and punch biopsy findings, he was diagnosed with drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Discussion: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. It is most commonly drug-induced and presents with extensive erythema, erosions, and blisters throughout the body.
Conclusions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare and often life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis and management is important for delivering high-quality patient care.