Diffuse Exfoliative Rash with Sepsis and Eosinophilia: A Case of Erythroderma?

Abstract

Patient: Male, 56Final Diagnosis: Exfoliative dermatitisSymptoms: Edema • erythema • pruritus • rash • sepsis • shiversMedication: VancomycinClinical Procedure: Skin biopsySpecialty: General and Internal MedicineObjective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:Erythroderma is an exfoliative dermatitis that manifests as generalized erythema and scaling that involves 90% of the body surface. If untreated, erythroderma can be fatal because of its metabolic burden and risk of secondary infections.Case Report:The patient was a 56-year-old male with prior rash attributed to group A Streptococcal cellulitis and discharged on Augmentin, Clindamycin with hydrocortisone cream, and Bactrim, but he had been noncompliant. He was admitted again for rash involving the face, torso, and extremities characterized by diffuse, desquamative, dry scales in morbilliform pattern. The patient was septic with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and compromised skin barrier. He was started on vancomycin and switched to Cefazolin IV due to concern for drug reaction. Autoimmune workup included antibodies for anti-Jo-1, anti-dsDNA, anti-centromere, and ANCA. However, only antinuclear antibody and scleroderma antibody were positive. Given the unclear workup results and lack of response to antibiotics, the patient was started on prednisone 60 mg PO and topical Triamcinolone 0.1% cream. A skin biopsy revealed psoriasiform hyperplasia with atypical T cell infiltrate and eosinophils, but negative for T cell gene rearrangement. The rash resolved after day 12 of application of topical Triamcinolone.Conclusions:This case is unique in terms of the rarity of erythroderma and the diagnostic challenge given confounding factors such as noncompliance and drug reaction. Serious causes, such as SLE and cutaneous T cell lymphoma, were ruled out. Fortunately, the rash responded well to steroids; however, given the adverse effects of long-term use of topical steroids, the patient will need follow up with Dermatology.

Ichthyosis with superimposed mycosis fungoides, a rare case of generalized erythema with malaise

“…[ 15 16 ] Above all, due to its systemic complications, including thermoregulatory disturbance, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, high output heart failure, hypoalbuminemia, and septicemia, it is a potentially life-threatening situation . [ 17 18 19 ] Thus, we performed several surveys, including a skin biopsy to find out the culprit underlying cause , and finally, the diagnosis of ichthyosis with superimposed mycosis fungoides was established.…”