Vancomycin-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis: morphology is a key to diagnosis

Abstract

Vancomycin-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) previously has been described; however, past reports have suggested that the clinical presentation is nonspecific. We present a case of vancomycin-induced LABD with a suggestive clinical presentation; specifically, groups of annularly arranged vesicles. We propose that this clinical presentation strongly suggests drug-induced LABD and should raise a clinician's suspicion of vancomycin as the offending agent. This awareness may guide the antibiotic management of the patient while the clinician awaits histopathologic correlation.