A Rare Association of Steven Johnson Syndrome with Lupus

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson-Syndrome is a life-threatening dermatological conditions that is characterised by mucositis and epidermal detachment. The underlying etiology of this syndrome is almost invariably secondary to drugs but infrequently other causes such as lupus, infections and vaccinations have been observed. We report as such a rare clinical case presented at ER with gradual onset of dusky erythema at sun exposed areas, mucosal ulcerations with positive nikolsky sign, with history of no drug interaction. Complete blood paramenters showed pancytopenia with lupus +ve nature (laboratory investigations showed positive ANA, anti-ds-DNA). The patient was then diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus with initial presentation of steven johnson syndrome. It highlights new conduit in various treatment options and the achievement of a successful outcome. Although this syndrome is invariably associated with history of medications, but in rare instance may present as an initial presentation of lupus, particularly when associated with an initial photodistribution and a prolonged clinical course [1]. Hence, this short communication further illuminates the importance of timely treatment in such acute scenarios.