Coma blisters after poisoning caused by central nervous system depressants: case report including histopathological findings

An Bras Dermatol. 2012 Jul-Aug;87(4):615-7. doi: 10.1590/s0365-05962012000400016.

Abstract

Blister formation and eccrine sweat gland necrosis is a cutaneous manifestation associated with states of impaired consciousness, most frequently reported after overdoses of central nervous system depressants, particularly phenobarbital. The case of a 45-year-old woman who developed "coma blisters" at six distinct anatomic sites after confirmed (laboratory) phenobarbital poisoning, associated with other central nervous system depressants (clonazepam, promethazine, oxcarbazepine and quetiapine), is presented. A biopsy from the left thumb blister taken on day 4 revealed focal necrosis of the epidermis and necrosis of sweat gland epithelial cells; direct immunofluorescence was strongly positive for IgG in superficial blood vessel walls but negative for IgM, IgA, C3 and C1q. The patient was discharged on day 21 with no sequelae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blister / chemically induced*
  • Blister / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / poisoning*
  • Coma / chemically induced*
  • Coma / pathology
  • Epidermis / drug effects
  • Epidermis / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis / chemically induced
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Sweat Glands / drug effects
  • Sweat Glands / pathology*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants