[DRESS syndrome following sulfasalazine treatment]

A female patient developed systemic rash, lung edema, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and fulminant hepatitis with partial liver failure 4 weeks after the start of sulfasalazine treatment. Peripheral T-cell activation, a positive PCR test for human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 as well as eosinophilia in bronchial lavage and a differential blood count were also present. After initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy and cessation of accompanying medication the clinical symptoms and abnormal laboratory test levels were gradually resolved. A DRESS syndrome (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) was confirmed in accordance with the diagnostic criteria.