Phenytoin Induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome: A Case Report

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is an idiosyncratic and rare drug reaction that can be severe and life‑threatening if untreated. We present a 34 year old male patient, who developed DRESS syndrome after receiving phenytoin for 8 weeks and presented with rapidly progressive erythematous rash on trunk, face and upper extremities, fever and facial swelling. Abnormal laboratory findings, RegiSCAR score, and Naranjo’s probability scale revealed the association between phenytoin and DRESS syndrome. Phenytoin was withdrawn and adequately managed with systemic corticosteroids, antihistamine, and other symptomatic treatments. DRESS syndrome can be cured completely by early detection and removal of culprit drug along with other adequate symptomatic treatments.