DRESS syndrome: an important differential for eosinophilia with systemic organ dysfunction

Abstract

Drug rash occurring with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome is a potentially fatal adverse drug reaction that requires immediate action in order to minimise patient harm. Initially implicated with the use of anticonvulsants, it has also been shown to be caused by many other medications but less frequently with vancomycin. Patients typically present with fever, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia and systemic organ dysfunction. Diagnosis is aided using probability calculators such as RegiSCAR (Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction), as well as clinical response on removing the responsible medication. Here, we present a case without any systemic organ dysfunction that improved with withdrawal of the offending drug vancomycin.