Stevens-Johnson syndrome after immunization with smallpox, anthrax, and tetanus vaccines.
A 19-year-old male military recruit developed erythema multiforme 20 days after receiving a triad of vaccinations: smallpox (vaccinia virus), anthrax, and tetanus. Over the course of a few days, the erythema multiforme evolved into Stevens-Johnson syndrome, associated with widespread bullae, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and fever. After 7 days of conservative management, the patient's signs and symptoms improved. This case serves as a timely reminder of a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of smallpox vaccination.
Chopra
Ashish
A
Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Drage
Lisa A
LA
Hanson
Eric M
EM
Touchet
Nicole L
NL
D000328:Adult; D022122:Anthrax Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D022122:Anthrax Vaccines; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid