Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with quinidine administration.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life threatening, drug induced cutaneous reaction first reported by Lyell in 1956. He named the condition TEN to distinguish it from staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. It is characterized by a separation of the epidermis and dermis with subsequent desquamation of skin. The denuded areas of skin have the appearance of second-degree burn. Drug induced TEN is a disease of severe morbidity and high mortality. The drugs most frequently associated with onset of the condition are sulfonamides, anticonvulsants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and allopurinol. This study reports the occurrence of TEN in a patient receiving Quinidine.