TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS - AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF COLONIC PERFORATION - REPORT OF A CASE

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and severe reaction to cert ain drugs that results in full-thickness epidermal necrosis of the ski n. Other mucosal surfaces such as the oropharynx, esophagus, conjuncti va, and genitalia may also be affected. Specific involvement of the co lon is distinctly unusual. A case of TEN that resulted in complete sma ll bowel necrosis and colonic perforation is reported. Early and aggre ssive surgical resection dealt successfully with this complication and , along with supportive care, allowed resolution of the systemic condi tion to occur. Five additional cases of colonic necrosis complicating TEN are reviewed.