[Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome: an entity to be remembered]

Abstract

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is an unpredictable, potentially fatal drug reaction to aromatic anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital. The hallmark features include fever, eosinophilia, rash and involvement of one or more internal organs. Clearly established diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines are lacking. A high index of suspicion is required to identify this syndrome, allowing early withdrawal of the drug and avoiding re-exposure. We report an illustrative case of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome and review the published literature.