[Verapamil-induced linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis]

Abstract

Background: Linear IgA bullous dermatosis is a rare auto-immune bullous dermatitis characterized by linear IgA deposits in the basal membrane zone. Clinical diagnosis may be difficult due to the various clinical presentations mimicking bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus, erythema multiforme or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Linear IgA may be idiopathic or due to drugs, particularly vancomycin.

Patients and methods: We describe a 91-year-old woman treated with verapamil for coronary disease who developed an eruption presenting as a toxic epidermal necrolysis, although the diagnosis was amended after direct immunofluorescence revealed IgA deposits in the basal membrane zone.

Discussion: Ours appears to be the first reported case of verapamil-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis.