A Case of Drug-Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

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.