An illusion of septic shock: Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis with multiorgan dysfunction

Abstract

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare cutaneous eruption, most often caused by commonly used antibiotics. It is characterised by an acute onset of non-follicular sterile pustular rash and erythema within hours or days of drug exposure and usually resolves spontaneously within 1-2 weeks once the drug is discontinued. Haemodynamic involvement in the form of shock is rare. Here, we present a severe case of AGEP, manifesting with systemic involvement and haemodynamic instability resulting in shock with multiorgan dysfunction. The associated drugs were erythromycin and fluconazole with a possible combined effect of these two drugs that resulted in systemic involvement. Our patient improved markedly, both haemodynamically and dermatologically, after discontinuation of the drugs and with systemic steroid therapy.