Adult linear IgA disease associated with an erythema multiforme-like drug reaction

Abstract

The authors describe a 58-year-old woman who experienced an erythema multiforme-like reaction following therapy with cefamandole naftate. Histologically, findings were consistent with erythema multiforme, but diffuse linear deposition of IgA was demonstrated at the dermo-epidermal junction by direct immunofluorescence. Ultrastructurally, deposits were located beneath the basal lamina, around the anchoring fibrils. These observations illustrate that adult linear IgA bullous dermatosis can mimic the clinical and histological features of erythema multiforme and suggest the possibility of drug-induced pathogenesis.