• Shaquil Peermohamed and Richard M Haber.
• Division of Dermatology, University of Calgary, Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, 1820 Richmond Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5C7, Canada.
• Arch Dermatol. 2011 Jun 1; 147 (6): 697-701.

BackgroundBoth acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are adverse cutaneous reactions. Despite the fact that these 2 cutaneous reactions differ in presentation, prognosis, pathologic features, and treatment, overlap can exist between them, creating a diagnostic challenge.ObservationsWe describe a patient who presented with clinical features of both AGEP and TEN, and we summarize overlapping cases of AGEP-TEN that have been reported in the literature. It is essential to be able to differentiate between AGEP and TEN, as these conditions are clinically and morphologically distinct entities. They also differ considerably in their prognosis and treatment.ConclusionsBecause overlap exists, AGEP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of widespread blistering and erosive conditions. A greater understanding of how to differentiate AGEP and TEN can lead to quicker diagnosis as well as more effective case management and treatment.

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