Stevens-Johnson syndrome resulting from whole-brain radiation and phenytoin

Am J Clin Oncol. 1996 Feb;19(1):32-4. doi: 10.1097/00000421-199602000-00007.

Abstract

Phenytoin, one of the most widely prescribed anticonvulsants, and steroids are routinely utilized for seizure prophylaxis in patients with various intracranial tumors. We report a case of severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), documented by biopsy, which occurred in a patient, with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma receiving phenytoin, whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), and a tapering steroid dose. The pathogenesis and implications are then briefly discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Chemoprevention
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects*
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Seizures / prevention & control
  • Spinal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Spinal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / pathology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Phenytoin
  • Dexamethasone