Diagnosis: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
Description: The dermis contains a moderately dense superficial, mid and deep dermal infiltrate of eosinophils, neutrophils and some lymphocytes.
Clinical Features: Pustules
Pathology/Site Features: Neutrophils -dermis
Sex: F
Age: 76
Submitted By: Ian McColl
Differential DiagnosisHistory: This elderly lady presented with the sudden onsetof marked erythema and tenderness under her breasts and in the groin about 48 hours after being given Rulide for a chest infection. She had these small pustules at the edge of the erythema some of which eroded leaving open weeping areas.
Presenting diagnosis is a pustular drug reaction with Pustular psoriasis, Staph scalded skin and Toxic epidermal necrolysis as differentials. Biopsies and swabs taken.
Description: Neutrophilic infiltrate with some eosinophils
Comments: Sections show a biopsy of skin in which there is a subcorneal blister filled with neutrophils. The dermis contains a moderately dense superficial, mid and deep dermal infiltrate of eosinophils, neutrophils and some lymphocytes. There is exocytosis of neutrophils through the epidermis into the subcorneal blister. No fungal organisms can be seen.
The features present are those of an acute pustular drug eruption.