ACUTE EXANTHEMATOUS GENERALIZED PUSTULOSIS – A RARE DERMATOPATHOLOGICAL CASE REPORT
Dr. Vaishnavi Selvaraju, Dr. Monisha Rita J.*, Dr. Jaya Ganesh and Dr. Akshaya
Abstract
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) also known as
toxic pustuloderma, is a dreadful skin condition caused by drugs and
few viruses. Drugs like B - lactams and macrolides are the causative
factor in more than 90% of cases but acute infection by many viruses
such as cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19 and Epstein-Barr virus can
also be the trigger. AGEP is an uncommon exanthematous condition
featured by sudden onset of many small, non-follicular, sterile pustules
arising on an erythematous base that initially starts in the face and/or
intertriginous area then spreads widely to become generalised. AGEP
frequently presents with abrupt onset of numerous sterile pustules
often associated with fever, neutrophilic leucocytosis and sometimes
eosinophilia. Disappearance of the lesions with desquamation is seen within two weeks
following the cessation of the offending agent. in this article we elaborate a case of AGEP
that presented with skin and mucus membrane involvement, discuss its histopathological
differential diagnoses and how to differentiate them.
Keywords: AGEP, Acute Generalised Exanthematous Pustulosis, Pustules, Drug eruption.
[Full Text Article]