Case of the month. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to an iodinated contrast radiodiagnostic agent
Paquet, P.; Vandenbossche, G.; Nikkels, A.F.; Henry, F.; Piérard, G.E.
Revue medicale de Liege 64(12): 601-605
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 20143742 Document Number: 628675
Iodinated contrast agents are frequently involved in delayed polymorphic adverse skin reactions. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis following administration of iodinated contrast agents is a rare but severe form of such reactions. The disease is characterized by the sudden occurrence of an erosive and pustular erythroderma with fever, leukocytosis and sometimes peripheral adenopathies and liver involvement. This condition is considered as an immunologic reaction, primarily involving T lymphocytes. The overall mortality reaches about 1%. Elucidating the differential diagnosis with other acute paroxysmal drug eruptions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Steven-Johnson syndrome and drug hypersensitivity syndrome) is of paramount importance for establishing the adequate treatment of PEAG.