Ceftriaxone-induced radiation recall dermatitis.

BACKGROUND

Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is an acute inflammatory skin reaction occurring in a skin area previously exposed to radiotherapy and triggered by subsequent intake of a drug, most commonly a chemotherapeutic agent. RRD secondary to antibiotics has also been reported but is a rare phenomenon overall and there are no reports of RRD in association with ceftriaxone exposure.

METHODS

We report on a 59-year-old patient who had received radiotherapy to the neck bilaterally and who developed RRD 6 months later after a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone.

RESULTS

The patient's rash resolved without further intervention over the ensuing 2 days following administration of a single dose of ceftriaxone.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates that while RRD secondary to antibiotic exposure is rare, it is part of the differential diagnosis to be considered for acute dermatitis when there is a past history of radiotherapy to the same skin area.