IMATINIB CAUSING DRUG RASH WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS-A CASE REPORT.

Imatinib mesylate is a selective protein kinase inhibitor, currently used mainly for the treatment of malignancies like chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The side-effect profile of this drug includes fluid retention, muscle cramps, diarrhoea, myelosuppression and skin rashes. Cutaneous toxicity has been reported in 18 to 69% of patients with GIST treated with doses ranging from 400 to 800mg once a day. Of these, maculo-papular eruptions and oedema developed most commonly. Herein we report a case of GIST who developed features of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) on initiation of imatinib.