Bullous Drug Eruption.

Abstract

A 63-year-old woman presented at our emergency department with a disseminated dermatosis that developed after undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure. Her past medical history included an end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Clinical examination revealed erosions and hemorrhagic crusts located on her lips and along the arteriovenous fistula. Additionally, we observed five hyperpigmented macules on her left hand's dorsum and palm and multiple hypopigmented macules in the genital area. Upon medical record review, we discovered the occurrence of prior bullous eruptions following contrast administration. A fixed drug eruption (FDE) due to radiocontrast was diagnosed based on clinical history, clinical examination, eruption timeframe, and positive drug provocation test. Intravenous contrast media reactions can be immediate or delayed, with delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) occurring one hour to seven days post-administration. DHRs often present as maculopapular rashes. FDEs are rare. Skin tests are used to identify culprit agents. Ideally, intradermal tests, with delayed readings, and patch tests are combined for optimal sensitivity. Despite lacking standardized protocols, premedication with corticosteroids may mitigate reaction severity.