Reversible renal failure and myositis caused by phenytoin hypersensitivity.

A 38-year old woman receiving phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) noticed maculopapular erythema as the first manifestation of a syndrome that included acute renal failure and myositis in addition to fever, lymphadenopathy, exfoliative dermatitis, and hepatitis. Prednisolone sodium phosphate therapy resulted in resolution of this hypersensitivity reaction, and she recovered from renal insufficiency. The occurrence of renal failure and myositis in the spectrum of phenytoin hypersensitivity reactions is discussed, and the importance of a morbilliform rash in a patient receiving phenytoin is emphasized.