Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) following telecobalt therapy

Abstract

Generalized skin eruptions after radiation therapy are rare (Dedick and Whelon, 1959) but may present as erythematous, macular, papular, vesicular, bullous or exfoliative lesions (Davis and Pack, 1952). Maxfield and Coleman (1969) have reviewed 47 cases of erythema multiforme and have added six cases of their own. The variant of bullous erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is still rare and a case is reported. A 35-year old Hindu female was admitted to the Radiotherapy Department of this hospital on September 8, 1971, with the diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix, stage III. Her chief complaints were foul smelling, blood tinged vaginal discharge and frequency with burning micturition for the past year. There was no associated systemic illness. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy. She was anaemic—haemoglobin 9·0 g per cent, white cell count 8,200/ml.3 and ESR 10 mm/1 hour. The radiograph of the pelvis, chest and IVP were normal. Cystoscopy showed early infiltration of the trigone.