Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by piroxicam

Abstract

Background: Between 62 and 90% of cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis are caused by drugs. Its onset is rapid with generalized pustules, fever, and blood neutrophil count over 7000; pustules resolve spontaneously in less than 15 days. A case associated with piroxicam described.

Case report: A 36-year-old with initial erythema of the thorax and abdomen, accompanied by burning, without fever, which later spread to his forearms, upper arms, and thighs, with face edema. A week earlier he had taken piroxicam for low back pain; at the time of hospitalization he received antihistamines, and topical and systemic steroids. Full blood count showed leukocytes at 8920, eosinophils at 600, neutrophils at 6600, total serum IgE at 188 UI, C-reactive protein at 2.9 mg/L, and no liver, kidney, or lung involvement. Treatment was initiated with intravenous antihistamines and ranitidine, saline, topical Vaseline plus topical mupirocin, and systemic steroids. On the second day of hospitalization neutrophils increased to 9000 and PCR to 3.3. The score to evaluate acute exanthematous pustulosis in the patient was 8, giving a definitive diagnosis. 

Conclusions: The differential diagnosis should be established primarily with pustular psoriasis. The prognosis is generally good, as rep