title: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis simulating toxic epidermal necrolysis: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Both acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are adverse cutaneous reactions. Despite the fact that these 2 cutaneous reactions differ in presentation, prognosis, pathologic features, and treatment, overlap can exist between them, creating a diagnostic challenge.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a patient who presented with clinical features of both AGEP and TEN, and we summarize overlapping cases of AGEP-TEN that have been reported in the literature. It is essential to be able to differentiate between AGEP and TEN, as these conditions are clinically and morphologically distinct entities. They also differ considerably in their prognosis and treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because overlap exists, AGEP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of widespread blistering and erosive conditions. A greater understanding of how to differentiate AGEP and TEN can lead to quicker diagnosis as well as more effective case management and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, University of Calgary, Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, 1820 Richmond Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5C7, Canada.
authors.forename: Shaquil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peermohamed
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Haber
mesh_terms: D056150:Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010397:Penicillanic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010878:Piperacillin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077725:Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; D011379:Prognosis; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D000077725:Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; D010397:Penicillanic Acid; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D010878:Piperacillin