A fatal case of cutaneous adverse drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with severe rhabdomyolysis

Ann Saudi Med. 2012 May-Jun;32(3):309-11. doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2012.309.

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis represents an immunologic reaction to a foreign antigen and is most often caused by drugs. Atorvastatin, a blood cholesterol-lowering agent, is a recognized cause of rhabdomyolysis; while naproxen, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a known cause of photo-induced skin lesions. We report the first fatal case of drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with severe muscle necrosis due to the use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a statin with very high levels of creatine phosphokinase leading to acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and complete skin necrosis leading to death.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Atorvastatin
  • Female
  • Heptanoic Acids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Naproxen / adverse effects*
  • Pyrroles / adverse effects*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / chemically induced*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Pyrroles
  • Naproxen
  • Atorvastatin