Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severity variants of the same disease which differs from erythema multiforme.
A new classification, based on the pattern and distribution of cutaneous lesions, separates erythema multiforme major from Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A retrospective re-classification of 76 cases supported the validity of that separation by demonstrating differing causes and pathology. Another prospective international case-control study found differing demographic characteristics and risk factors between erythema multiforme major on the one hand and Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis on the other. Erythema multiforme major was mainly related to Herpes virus infection, while Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis were associated with drug reactions.
Roujeau
J C
JC
Université Paris XII, Créteil, France.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology