Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with pancytopenia: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and unusual hypersensitivity reaction to certain drugs like allopurinol, commonly used for treating gout. SJS is recognized by extensive necrosis and detachment of skin and mucus membranes. Pancytopenia, characterized by decreased levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, is an exceedingly rare occurrence in the rare disorder SJS. Case presentation: The authors present a 61-year-old male who exhibited symptoms of fever and rash for 5 days accompanied by pancytopenia and liver injury. Clinical discussion: The abdomen and bilateral lower extremities exhibited several well-defined dusky-colored hyperpigmented macular lesions. Initially, these lesions were small, tender, erythematous, and raised, later transitioning to a dark red. Multiple distinct ulcerations were present on the lips and buccal cavity. Additionally, there was denudation of the skin with bleeding observed between the toes of both legs. The causality was assessed as a definite adverse drug reaction according to the Naranjo and ALDEN algorithm. The patient received treatment consisting of intravenous steroid along with prophylactics antibiotics. The individual's pancytopenia was resolved without requiring any blood cells or plasma or platelet concentrate transfusion. Conclusion: The exact pathophysiology of SJS associated with pancytopenia has not yet been fully elucidated. The authors' study hypothesized that the cause of pancytopenia in SJS could be either the direct cytotoxicity of drugs or immune-mediated damage to the bone marrow cells. Additional studies are necessary to establish the precise pathophysiology of the condition. Moreover, our study also indicates that pancytopenia can resolve in SJS without the need for blood cells or plasma or platelet concentrate transfusion. Once more, further studies are required to establish precise management strategies for managing SJS associated with pancytopenia.

Cecal Perforation Following Intraperitoneal Abscess after Anti-tubercular Therapy: A Case Report.

Abdominal tuberculosis is defined as infection of gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, abdominal solid organs, and/or abdominal lymphatics constituting approximately 12% of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Intestinal perforation is an acute presentation of abdominal tuberculosis. Intestinal perforation can occur before or at the beginning of anti-tubercular therapy. It is considered to be a paradoxical reaction if it occurs during or after treatment. Intestinal perforation is uncommon but serious and life-threatening as complication-mortality rate secondary to perforation are estimated to be >30%. We present a case of an 18-year-old female who developed cecal perforation following an intraperitoneal abscess after completion of anti-tubercular therapy for intestinal tuberculosis. She was a known case of intestinal tuberculosis. She had undergone pigtail catheterisation for an intraperitoneal abscess and completed 18 months of anti-tubercular therapy after which she developed cecal perforation. A paradoxical response was observed following the completion of anti-tubercular therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the complications and mortality rates of cecal perforation due to abdominal tuberculosis. Keywords: case reports; cecum; intestinal perforation; tuberculosis.