Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by itraconazole: an immunological approach

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Dec;34(8):e709-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03440.x. Epub 2009 Jul 3.

Abstract

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon disease, which presents as a nonfollicular erythematous sterile pustular eruption. More than 90% of the cases are induced by adverse drug reactions, often triggered by anti-infectious systemic drugs. We report a case of itraconazole-induced AGEP in a 22-year-old man, with an assessment of his cytokine/chemokine production and drug-specific cell reactivity. We found that AGEP, like other T cell-mediated drug eruptions, alters the immunological status of the patient, probably favouring T-cell activation, recruitment and regulation. Few cases of itraconazole-induced AGEP have been described in the literature, and to our knowledge, this is the first report in which the cellular immunological features are assessed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / chemically induced
  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / immunology*
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / adverse effects*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Male
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Itraconazole