Sulfasalazine-induced DRESS syndrome (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms)

CONTEXT: DRESS syndrome (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is a type of drug reaction commonly mistaken for a viral infection. It must be recognized promptly due to its high morbidity and 10% mortality rate. Few cases of DRESS syndrome induced by sulfasalazine have been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: The case of a 47-year-old white Brazilian woman who developed DRESS syndrome eight weeks after starting a course of sulfasalazine for treatment of seronegative arthritis is reported. She presented a skin rash, fever, hepatitis, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytes. The causative drug was discontinued immediately, but she only improved after treatment with prednisone.