Ceftriaxone‐induced radiation recall dermatitis. Issue 8 (9th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Nirav V.; Samuels, Michael; Elsayyad, Nagy
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 42:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: E8
• Page End: E11
• Publication Date: 2020-04-09
• Subjects: ceftriaxone -- cephalosporin -- dermatitis -- radiation recall -- radiotherapy; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is an acute inflammatory skin reaction occurring in a skin area previously exposed to radiotherapy and triggered by subsequent intake of a drug, most commonly a chemotherapeutic agent. RRD secondary to antibiotics has also been reported but is a rare phenomenon overall and there are no reports of RRD in association with ceftriaxone exposure. Methods: We report on a 59‐year‐old patient who had received radiotherapy to the neck bilaterally and who developed RRD 6 months later after a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone. Results: The patient's rash resolved without further intervention over the ensuing 2 days following administration of a single dose of ceftriaxone. Conclusion: This case illustrates that while RRD secondary to antibiotic exposure is rare, it is part of the differential diagnosis to be considered for acute dermatitis when there is a past history of radiotherapy to the same skin area.