VIDEO: Challenging case – consider HSV with erythema multiforme

LAS VEGAS – In a presentation at Skin Disease Education Foundation’s annual Las Vegas dermatology seminar, Miriam S. Bettencourt, MD, shared a challenging diagnostic case of erythema multiforme associated with herpes simplex, in a patient who presented with blisters all over his body.

“We know that 90% of cases of erythema multiforme are related to herpetic infections,” but this patient had no recent history of herpes simplex outbreaks, Dr. Bettencourt, of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said in a video interview.

‘“Let’s remember that HSV [herpes simplex virus] ... can be associated with erythema multiforme even if a patient does not have any flares,” Dr. Bettencourt said. A consult with a rheumatologist can be helpful, as in this case, if a patient has a positive antinuclear antibody test, which could not be explained, she added, noting that the patient is doing well after 6 months of therapy.

Dr. Bettencourt disclosed relationships with AbbVie, Allergan, Aqua, Celgene, Janssen, IntraDerm, Leo, Promius, and Valeant.

SDEF and this news organization are owned by the same parent company.

LAS VEGAS – In a presentation at Skin Disease Education Foundation’s annual Las Vegas dermatology seminar, Miriam S. Bettencourt, MD, shared a challenging diagnostic case of erythema multiforme associated with herpes simplex, in a patient who presented with blisters all over his body.

“We know that 90% of cases of erythema multiforme are related to herpetic infections,” but this patient had no recent history of herpes simplex outbreaks, Dr. Bettencourt, of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said in a video interview.

‘“Let’s remember that HSV [herpes simplex virus] ... can be associated with erythema multiforme even if a patient does not have any flares,” Dr. Bettencourt said. A consult with a rheumatologist can be helpful, as in this case, if a patient has a positive antinuclear antibody test, which could not be explained, she added, noting that the patient is doing well after 6 months of therapy.

Dr. Bettencourt disclosed relationships with AbbVie, Allergan, Aqua, Celgene, Janssen, IntraDerm, Leo, Promius, and Valeant.

SDEF and this news organization are owned by the same parent company.

LAS VEGAS – In a presentation at Skin Disease Education Foundation’s annual Las Vegas dermatology seminar, Miriam S. Bettencourt, MD, shared a challenging diagnostic case of erythema multiforme associated with herpes simplex, in a patient who presented with blisters all over his body.

“We know that 90% of cases of erythema multiforme are related to herpetic infections,” but this patient had no recent history of herpes simplex outbreaks, Dr. Bettencourt, of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said in a video interview.

‘“Let’s remember that HSV [herpes simplex virus] ... can be associated with erythema multiforme even if a patient does not have any flares,” Dr. Bettencourt said. A consult with a rheumatologist can be helpful, as in this case, if a patient has a positive antinuclear antibody test, which could not be explained, she added, noting that the patient is doing well after 6 months of therapy.

Dr. Bettencourt disclosed relationships with AbbVie, Allergan, Aqua, Celgene, Janssen, IntraDerm, Leo, Promius, and Valeant.

SDEF and this news organization are owned by the same parent company.