Myocarditis in dapsone-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms—a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Dapsone (4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone) has been used for a variety of dermatological conditions. Dapsone-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare but severe drug reaction characterized by fever, cutaneous eruption, and systemic involvement. We present a case of dapsone-induced DRESS, which resulted in fever, maculopapular eruptions progressing to exfoliative dermatitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, transaminitis, and hypersensitivity myocarditis resulting in congestive heart failure. This patient was withdrawn from dapsone and treated with systemic corticosteroids, but he finally passed away despite aggressive intensive care. We report this rare case and review the literature concerning DRESS with cardiac involvement.

Keywords

• Dapsone
• Drug hypersensitivity
• Myocarditis