Internal organ involvement in epidermal necrolysis and bullous fixed drug eruption assessed by 18Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan. A proof-of-concept study

Abstract

This study investigates internal organ involvement (IOI) in epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) using 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Conducted in Cape Town, it involved 10 participants who underwent scans at two time points: acute (t0) and three months later (t1). Results showed increased inflammation (SUVmax) in multiple organs at t0, with persistent or worsening inflammation in the lungs, eyes, and bone marrow at t1. The study confirms IOI in SJS/TEN and GBFDE and highlights the potential of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic tool for tracking inflammation beyond the acute stage.