Background
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening dermatologic disorder characterized by widespread erythema, necrosis, and bullous detachment of the epidermis and mucous membranes, resulting in exfoliation and possible sepsis and/or death (see the image below). Mucous membrane involvement can result in gastrointestinal hemorrhage, respiratory failure, ocular abnormalities, and genitourinary complications.
TEN is most commonly drug induced. However, the disorder has other potential etiologies, including infection, malignancy, and vaccinations (see Etiology). TEN is idiosyncratic, and its occurrence is not easily predicted.
Some authors believe that Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS; also known as erythema multiforme major) is a manifestation of the same process involved in TEN, with the latter involving more extensive necrotic epidermal detachment...
