Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2009 Jun;29(2):132-137.

A Case of Hypersensitive Exfoliative Dermatitis with Hepatitis after a Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene

Abstract

A 20-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of pruritus, pyrexia and maculopapular skin rash. Three weeks before admission, he engaged in silicon waterproofing work with trichloroethylene (TCE). The levels of liver enzymes increased and exfoliative dermatitis was developed on the trunk and face. After treatment with systemic corticosteroids, antihistamine and liver supplements, liver function and skin lesions were improved remarkably. The levels of serum IgE increased and the pathological examination of skin specimen revealed T lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory reaction. Since other causes could not be found through the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) and other allergy tests, we assumed that exfoliative dermatitis and hepatitis were caused by T lymphocyte hypersensitivity to TCE, which was confirmed by the patch test after his symptoms were improved.

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Dermatitis, Exfoliative
Exanthema
Fever
Hepatitis
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity, Delayed
Immunoglobulin E
Liver
Lymphocytes
Occupational Exposure
Patch Tests
Pruritus
Silicon
Skin
Trichloroethylene
Young Adult
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Immunoglobulin E
Silicon
Trichloroethylene