A Case Report of Erythema Multiforme Secondary to Atorvastatin Use

Abstract

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a rare and typically self-limited mucocutaneous reaction known to present secondary to various triggers, with the most common being from an infectious etiology. Medications account for a small percentage of EM cases. Here, we report a case of a 55-year-old female who presented to her primary care physician with a circular rash on the palm of her right hand, which she noticed five days after being started on atorvastatin due to right branch retinal artery occlusion. The rash was identified as case of non-photoinduced EM associated with atorvastatin use presenting solely on the palmar aspect of the patient's hand and resolving four days after discontinuation of the medication. Current literature only describes photoinduced cases of EM secondary to statin use making this case unique, and it provides important insights about considering alternative lipid-lowering treatment options for patients with recurrent or persistent cases.