Main Entry: Ste·vens–John·son syndrome

Pronunciation: \ˌstē-vənz-ˈjän(t)-sən-\

Function: noun

: a severe and sometimes fatal form of erythema multiforme that is characterized especially by extensive erosive lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (as of the mouth, nose, esophagus, anus, and genitalia) and by purulent conjunctivitis which sometimes results in corneal damage leading to blindness and that usually occurs following an infectious illness or adverse drug reaction but often has no identifiable cause

Stevens, Albert Mason (1884–1945), and Johnson, Frank Chambliss (1894–1934), American pediatricians. Stevens and Johnson jointly published a description of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in 1922. They based their report upon two cases found in children.