The rash that unraveled: A case report of DRESS syndrome in a 45-year-old woman

Abstract

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, which is a severe form of hypersensitivity drug reaction caused by drugs, is very difficult to recognize due to its insidious onset and non-specific symptoms. Such is the case with a 45-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with a fever reaching 38 °C, vomiting, diarrhea, and an erythematous maculopapular itchy rash on the trunk and extremities. The patient had a history of HTN, asthma, and chronic renal failure. Based on clinical evaluation and laboratory findings, DRESS syndrome was diagnosed and managed with hydrocortisone and glycerin, emphasizing the need for comprehensive clinical evaluation in every patient.