Severe Vancomycin-Induced Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis Case Report

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis is a rare autoimmune blistering disease. Although multiple reports have documented drug exposure as a precipitating factor, formal studies validating the existence of drug-induced LABD are lacking. A 49-year-old man with history of intravenous drug use presented with left hip pain of 3 weeks duration after sustaining a fall. On presentation he was hemodynamically stable and physical examination was notable proximal left thigh tenderness with stiffness and limited range of movement. Laboratory diagnostics were remarkable for elevated inflammatory markers, with no evidence of leukocytosis. CT scan without contrast of the left lower extremity demonstrated severe left hip osteoarthritis without fracture or dislocation. The patient continued to experience severe pain, prompting incision and drainage of the left hip along with acetabuloplasty, removal of the femoral head, and stage I hip replacement with placement of prophylactic prosthetic cement spacer with vancomycin and tobramycin. Within 24 h of surgery, he developed multiple distinct maculopapular/bullous lesions of his torso and medial thigh that rapidly progressed. Punch biopsy was performed and due to involvement of ~ 20% body surface area, he was transferred to a tertiary center. H&E and immunostaining of the histological sample demonstrated linear IgA bullous disease mimicking Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The patient’s bullous lesions improved 2 weeks after discontinuation of vancomycin and initiation of therapy. This case demonstrates the importance of early recognition of the rare adverse effects of commonly used medications. Vancomycin is currently used more frequently given the recent rise in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Further studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology, genetic predisposition, and disease penetrance.