Internal organ involvement in epidermal necrolysis and bullous fixed drug eruption assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography: a proof-of-concept study

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2026

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Authors: Eddy M. Zitha, Ashar Vijay Dhana, Tessa Kotze, Lovemore Mapahla, Thuraya Isaacs, Jonathan C. Peter, Rannakoe J. Lehloenya
DOI: 10.1093/ced/llag059
Cited by: 0
References: 5

Abstract

We investigated internal organ involvement in Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) using 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT). Participants (n = 10) underwent scans at two timepoints: acute (t0) and 3 months later (t1). Results showed increased inflammation in multiple organs at t0, with persistent or worsening inflammation in the lungs, eyes and bone marrow at t1. The study confirms internal organ involvement in SJS/TEN and GBFDE and highlights the potential of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic tool for tracking inflammation beyond the acute stage.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions Streptococcal Infections and Treatments Autoimmune Bullous Skin Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
Volume
51
Issue
7
Pages
1293–1295
Publication date
5 February 2026
Language
EN