Ciprofloxacin-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis mimicking bullous drug eruption confirmed by a positive patch test

Dermatology. 2005;211(3):277-80. doi: 10.1159/000087024.

Abstract

We report the case of an 80-year-old woman presenting with ciprofloxacin-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) confirmed by a positive patch test. Cutaneous morphology, course and histological findings were consistent with a definite diagnosis according to the AGEP validation score of the EuroSCAR study group. We point to the rarity of quinolone-induced AGEP and discuss immunological mechanisms, the value of in vivo and in vitro tests as well as the main differential diagnosis. Furthermore, we highlight in this particular case the challenging differentiation from bullous drug eruption.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Ciprofloxacin / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Exanthema / chemically induced
  • Exanthema / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patch Tests
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / chemically induced
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin