Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42496236›Full record

ArticleDermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland)2026

Hydroxychloroquine-Induced AGEP with Positive Rechallenge: A Case Report and Mini Review of the Literature.

Kristijan Jovanović, Tamara Umeljic Sočević, Milos Stepovic, Jovana Milosavljević, Jovica Tomović, Miroslav M Sovrlić, Marko Folić, Miloš N Milosavljević, Dalibor Jovanović, Nevena Folić

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Kristijan JovanovićDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
Tamara Umeljic SočevićCenter of Dermatovenereology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
Milos StepovicDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.ORCID 0000-0002-6740-0215
Jovana MilosavljevićDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
Jovica TomovićDepartment of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.ORCID 0000-0002-7300-5385
Miroslav M SovrlićDepartment of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.ORCID 0000-0002-3300-6199
Marko FolićDepartment of Clinical Pharmacology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
Miloš N MilosavljevićDepartment of Pharmacology and toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.ORCID 0000-0002-1786-1507
Dalibor JovanovićDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.ORCID 0000-0002-8041-3491
Nevena FolićDepartment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.ORCID 0000-0001-9494-881X

Funding

Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation 451-03-34/2026-03/200111University of Kragujevac No. 26/25
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesHydroxychloroquine is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune and dermatologic diseases; however, it may rarely induce severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis is an uncommon, acute pustular eruption most frequently associated with antibiotics. Hydroxychloroquine-induced AGEP remains relatively rare and diagnostically challenging due to its atypical and prolonged clinical course. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and a complex medical history who developed generalized urticarial and pustular dermatosis following re-exposure to hydroxychloroquine. Notably, the patient had experienced a similar cutaneous reaction after previous exposure to the same medication several years earlier. Ten days after completing a treatment course of hydroxychloroquine, she developed rapidly progressive pruritic erythematous and urticarial plaques that evolved into generalized annular lesions with peripheral scaling and grouped sterile pustules. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated leukocytosis, intermittent eosinophilia, and elevated IgE levels, while the infectious workup was negative. Histopathological examination revealed subcorneal pustules with neutrophilic infiltration, mild spongiosis, and scattered individual eosinophils, perivascular inflammatory infiltrates, findings consistent with AGEP. Retrospective assessment using the EuroSCAR scoring system classified the reaction as probable AGEP, while the Naranjo adverse drug reaction scale supported a probable causal relationship with hydroxychloroquine. Clinical improvement was achieved after withdrawal of the drug and treatment with systemic corticosteroids and supportive therapy.

conclusionsThis case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations compatible with hydroxychloroquine-induced probable AGEP and emphasizes the diagnostic value of a positive rechallenge as supportive evidence of drug causality. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending agent are essential to prevent severe complications and recurrence.

Indexed as

acute generalized exanthematous pustulosisadverse drug reactionhydroxychloroquinepositive rechallengepustular dermatosis

Identifiers

PMID42496236
PMCPMC13398211

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