A Rare Clinical Course in Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome: Lung Involvement

Yılmaz D., Emeksiz Z. Ş., İclal G. İ., Bilgiç I., Mısırlıoğlu E. D.

Pediatric, Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, vol.38, no.3, pp.108-111, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 38 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/2151321x251372016
  • Journal Name: Pediatric, Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.108-111
  • Keywords: antibiotics, DRESS syndrome, pneumonitis
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction characterized by skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, and multi-organ involvement. Although pulmonary complications are uncommon, they can significantly impact prognosis. Case Presentation: Here, we present a 6-year-old male with antibiotic-induced DRESS syndrome complicated by pleural effusion and pneumonitis. The patient was treated successfully with systemic corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin following multidisciplinary evaluation. Conclusion: Pulmonary involvement in DRESS is frequently mistaken for pneumonia. This case highlights the importance of recognizing pulmonary involvement in DRESS syndrome and differentiating it from bacterial pneumonia, as misdiagnosis may lead to delayed corticosteroid treatment and unnecessary antibiotic use.