Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Associated with Lamotrigine-induced Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome

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ÖZIŞIK L., Tanriover M., Saka E.

INTERNAL MEDICINE, vol.55, no.10, pp.1393-1396, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 55 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.6035
  • Journal Name: INTERNAL MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1393-1396
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug hypersensitivity reaction characterized by rash, fever and multi-organ failure. Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction with memory disturbance, seizures and psychiatric symptoms. We herein present an unusual case of DRESS syndrome due to lamotrigine with reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus, which developed autoimmune LE and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Discontinuation of lamotrigine, administration of methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin led to improvement. The LE in this case might have been caused by an autoimmune inflammatory mechanism associated with DRESS syndrome.