Toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe, life-threatening mucocutaneous reaction, often drug-induced, characterized by extensive keratinocyte apoptosis.
• Co-infection with COVID-19 presents a significant clinical challenge due to potential synergistic adverse outcomes.
• Early identification and management are critical for improving patient prognosis in TEN cases.

Observation:

• A 66-year-old patient presented with clinical manifestations consistent with toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• The patient was concurrently diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2).
• This represents the first documented case of TEN in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 in Saudi Arabia.

Findings:

• The co-occurrence of TEN and COVID-19 in this patient underscores a potentially fatal interaction.
• Prompt medical intervention was initiated upon diagnosis of both conditions.
• This case highlights the importance of considering TEN in patients with COVID-19 presenting with mucocutaneous lesions.

Implications:

• Fast reporting of such co-occurring cases is crucial for clinical awareness and timely therapeutic strategies.
• This case contributes to the understanding of rare dermatological manifestations of viral infections.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking TEN and SARS-CoV-2 infection.