Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report

Abstract Background Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder characterized by increased vascular permeability leading to third-spacing of fluids and protein. Drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions can mimic SCLS clinically and radiologically. Case presentation A 42-year-old Vietna...

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Main Authors: Ninh Xuan Nguyen, Ngoc Tien Pham, Huong Thi Thanh Le, Quoc Viet Tran, Hang Ngoc Thuy Tran, An Thien Do
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Rheumatology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s41927-025-00535-6
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author Ninh Xuan Nguyen
Ngoc Tien Pham
Huong Thi Thanh Le
Quoc Viet Tran
Hang Ngoc Thuy Tran
An Thien Do
author_facet Ninh Xuan Nguyen
Ngoc Tien Pham
Huong Thi Thanh Le
Quoc Viet Tran
Hang Ngoc Thuy Tran
An Thien Do
author_sort Ninh Xuan Nguyen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder characterized by increased vascular permeability leading to third-spacing of fluids and protein. Drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions can mimic SCLS clinically and radiologically. Case presentation A 42-year-old Vietnamese man developed abdominal distension, facial edema, and dyspnea after initiation of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Imaging revealed pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusions, periportal edema, and interstitial pulmonary edema. Laboratory results showed hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, and mild anemia. Autoimmune screening revealed ANA positivity (1:80, speckled) and lupus anticoagulant, though extractable nuclear antigens were negative. The patient improved rapidly with corticosteroids and antihistamines. Conclusion This case suggests a probable drug-induced systemic hypersensitivity reaction mimicking capillary leak syndrome, occurring in a patient with latent immune dysregulation. Awareness of this presentation may facilitate early recognition and appropriate immunomodulatory treatment while avoiding unnecessary interventions.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2520-1026
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series BMC Rheumatology
spelling doaj-art-1efe3515cc9d440c8e7a4cd48c4f340f2025-08-20T04:01:43ZengBMCBMC Rheumatology2520-10262025-07-01911610.1186/s41927-025-00535-6Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case reportNinh Xuan Nguyen0Ngoc Tien Pham1Huong Thi Thanh Le2Quoc Viet Tran3Hang Ngoc Thuy Tran4An Thien Do5Emergency Department, Vinmec Central Park International HospitalEmergency Department, Vinmec Central Park International HospitalEmergency Department, Vinmec Central Park International HospitalEmergency Department, Vinmec Central Park International HospitalEmergency Department, Vinmec Central Park International HospitalDepartment of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Vinmec Central Park International HospitalAbstract Background Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder characterized by increased vascular permeability leading to third-spacing of fluids and protein. Drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions can mimic SCLS clinically and radiologically. Case presentation A 42-year-old Vietnamese man developed abdominal distension, facial edema, and dyspnea after initiation of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Imaging revealed pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusions, periportal edema, and interstitial pulmonary edema. Laboratory results showed hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, and mild anemia. Autoimmune screening revealed ANA positivity (1:80, speckled) and lupus anticoagulant, though extractable nuclear antigens were negative. The patient improved rapidly with corticosteroids and antihistamines. Conclusion This case suggests a probable drug-induced systemic hypersensitivity reaction mimicking capillary leak syndrome, occurring in a patient with latent immune dysregulation. Awareness of this presentation may facilitate early recognition and appropriate immunomodulatory treatment while avoiding unnecessary interventions.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41927-025-00535-6Drug hypersensitivitySystemic capillary leakPolyserositisAutoimmune gastritisLupus anticoagulantANA
spellingShingle Ninh Xuan Nguyen
Ngoc Tien Pham
Huong Thi Thanh Le
Quoc Viet Tran
Hang Ngoc Thuy Tran
An Thien Do
Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report
BMC Rheumatology
Drug hypersensitivity
Systemic capillary leak
Polyserositis
Autoimmune gastritis
Lupus anticoagulant
ANA
title Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report
title_full Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report
title_fullStr Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report
title_short Drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak-like syndrome with polyserositis: a case report
title_sort drug induced hypersensitivity reaction presenting as systemic capillary leak like syndrome with polyserositis a case report
topic Drug hypersensitivity
Systemic capillary leak
Polyserositis
Autoimmune gastritis
Lupus anticoagulant
ANA
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s41927-025-00535-6
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