Phenytoin induced Steven–Johnson syndrome and bronchiolitis obliterans – case report and review of literature

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are both rare but serious idiosyncratic drug reactions characterized by diffuse muco-epidermoid injury and high mortality. Keratinocytes in both skin and mucous membranes (including eyes, mouth and genitalia) are injured resulting in a diffuse maculopapular rash, blistering lesions and epithelial detachment with minimal force (Nikolsky's sign). SJS is typically diagnosed when less than 10% of the skin surface is involved and the term TEN is used in cases with more than 30% involvement. Respiratory involvement in SJS-TEN is common with 30–50% of cases demonstrating respiratory epithelial sloughing with severe short and long term complications. Patients who survive SJS-TEN are often left with impaired respiratory function and bronchiolitis obliterans. Cases of bronchiolitis obliterans with SJS/TEN have been very rarely reported. We report a case of phenytoin induced SJS/TEN followed by severe bronchiolitis obliterans in an adult patient. The presentation, pathophysiology and management of SJS/TEN related bronchiolitis obliterans is also reviewed.