Fever with pancytopenia in a patient with lamotrigin induced DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) Syndrome: A case-based review

Background: DRESS syndrome (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is a rare idiosyncratic and unpredictable drug reaction most commonly attributed to anticonvulsants, allopurinol and antibiotics. Fever in combination with cutaneous manifestations and eosinophilia are the cardinal clinical findings, while organ involvement and very rarely pancytopenia can be present. Case presentation: We describe a 26-years-old female patient with pancytopenia in the context of lamotrigine-induced DRESS and we summarize this potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. Conclusion: DRESS should be suspected in patients presenting with fever, eosinophilia, skin involvement and/or visceral organ involvement, who have started a new drug during the past 2 to 6 weeks, as early recognition of this syndrome with subsequent discontinuation of the offending drug could be lifesaving.