A Case Report on an Elusive Incident of Erythema Multiforme

The presentation of erythema multiforme in the emergency department is relatively rare, thus recognition and rapid intervention requires a high index of suspicion. This study presents a case of a 55-year-old female with past medical history of hypertension and active endometrial cancer with recent chemotherapy treatment complaining of four days of progressive erythematous rash with associated pruritis and blistering. An exam found multiple tense, scattered vesicles with an erythematous base. The patient also demonstrated leukopenia, elevated alkaline phosphatase level, and elevated C-reactive protein level. A shave biopsy was performed and intravenous acyclovir was started for concern of varicella-zoster virus. Biopsy results favored an erythema multiforme diagnosis, and she was discharged with topical clobetasol. In addition to reviewing the presentation and intervention of erythema multiforme, this case report adds to growing literature of erythema multiforme as a delayed reaction to malignancy therapy.

Erythema multiforme, dermatology, radiotherapy.