Perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in the presence of toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Even though the incidence of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is low, it is also associated with a high mortality rate. The condition predominantly affects the skin, but may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, dramatically increasing mortality. We present a case of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in the presence of TEN. The patient was taking medication, known to be a risk factor, and presented an affected total body surface area and temporal development similar to previously reported cases of TEN. Characteristic abdominal symptoms, however, were missing. Gastrointestinal involvement in TEN appears to be a poor prognostic factor; medical staff must therefore be alert to patients with TEN who complain of abdominal discomfort. The exact pathogenesis, however, remains unclear.
Department of Surgery, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
P
P
Heye
Department of Surgery, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
A
A
Descloux
Department of Pathology, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
G
G
Singer
Department of Surgery, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
R
R
Rosenberg
Department of Surgery, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
T
T
Kocher
Diverticulitis; Sigmoid; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Toxic epidermal necrolysis