Dyphenylhydantoin induced hypersensitivity reaction with an unusual purpuric skin lesion.

We describe a boy with an unusual adverse reaction to dyphenylhydantoin (DH). This 12 years old boy developed a clinical picture of high fever, scarlatiniform rash, a hemorrhagic (purpuric) skin lesion, on his buttocks and neck, stomatitis and conjunctivitis, within two weeks after DH administration. Laboratory examinations were compatible with the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Cases similar to ours are reviewed and it is stressed that DH should be used cautiously as it is not a harmless drug.