Published online Feb 16, 2019. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v11.i2.115
Peer-review started: August 17, 2018
First decision: August 31, 2018
Revised: January 29, 2019
Accepted: February 13, 2019
Article in press: February 13, 2019
Published online: February 16, 2019
Processing time: 185 Days and 9.9 Hours
Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe adverse drug reaction associated with involvement of skin and mucosal membranes, and carries significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Mucus membrane lesions usually involve the oral cavity, lips, bulbar conjunctiva and the anogenitalia. The oral/anal mucosa and liver are commonly involved in SJS or TEN. However, intestinal involvement is distinctly rare. We herein review the current literature regarding the gastrointestinal involvement in SJS or TEN. This review focuses mainly on the small bowel and colonic involvement in patients with SJS or TEN.
Core tip: The oral/anal mucosa and liver are commonly involved in Stevens -Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). However, intestinal involvement is distinctly rare. We herein review the current literature regarding the gastrointestinal (GI) involvement in SJS or TEN. The extent of the GI involvement, clinical presentations, endoscopic and histopathological features, treatment options, and prognosis are described in this article.