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Linezolid-induced purpuric medication reaction
Flora S Kim1, Walter Kelley, Brooke Resh
1University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|June 13, 2009
Summary
This case report details a rare purpuric drug reaction in a patient taking linezolid. Biopsy confirmed the reaction, highlighting a potential adverse effect of this antibiotic.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
Background:
- Linezolid is an antibiotic used for serious infections.
- Adverse drug reactions can manifest in various ways.
- Purpuric eruptions are uncommon but serious dermatological findings.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male developed a widespread petechial and purpuric rash 9 days after starting linezolid for a retroperitoneal abscess.
- The eruption was non-blanching and covered the entire body without active bleeding.
Findings:
- Skin biopsy revealed a perivascular inflammatory infiltrate with extravasated erythrocytes.
- Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was notably absent.
- This presentation is consistent with a drug-induced purpuric reaction.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of a biopsy-proven purpuric medication reaction to linezolid.
- Clinicians should consider linezolid as a potential cause of purpuric eruptions.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of linezolid-induced dermatological reactions is warranted.
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