[Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in hypercalcemia]

We report a case of typical exanthematous pustulosis rash that was particularly severe both clinically and biologically. Laboratory tests led to the diagnosis of acute parvovirus B19 infection.

A 23-year-old man with no past medical history developed fever with an erythematous pustulosis rash predominantly involving the folds. Blood cell count revealed hyperleukocytosis. There was no previous drug intake. This skin reaction was associated with severe systemic manifestations including hypovolemic shock, and hematologic and metabolic disturbances. Virology tests revealed acute parvovirus B19 infection. The hospital physician caring for this patient also presented evidence of acute parvovirus B19 infection.

The clinical features and the course of this skin eruption were typical of generalized exanthematous pustulosis. We discuss the rare viral causes of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and compare our case with a previously reported case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis with mononucleosic syndrome in a patient with no prior drug intake. The clinical and biological manifestations of this case were similar to drug hypersensitivity syndrome.