Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in an infant following immunization

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in two adult patients

BACKGROUND

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome was first described in Italy by Gianotti in 1955. It is considered a benign, self-limited exanthem that occurs in younger children. Adult cases are rare.

OBJECTIVE

We report two cases of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in a previously healthy 37-year old Asian and 21-year old Caucasian female.

METHODS/RESULTS

Histopathological analysis of 4-mm punch biopsies from the upper extremity of both patients revealed an interstitial dermatitis with mild to moderate perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and occasional scattered eosinophils in the superficial and mid-dermis. Clinicopathological correlation was consistent with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Since both patients experienced significant pruritus, patient 1 was initially treated with a high potency topical corticosteroid followed by a two-week course of oral prednisone and patient 2 was treated with a potent topical corticosteroid. Both patients were asymptomatic at follow-up 3 to 4 weeks after their initial presentation.

A case of Gianotti Crosti syndrome with HBV infection

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (papular acrodermatitis of childhood), which was first described in 1955, is a nonspecific rash that usually consists of the abrupt onset of pink flesh coloring, smooth or lichenoid, flat-topped papules. It was first related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, cases not associated with HBV infection were reported as well. Although a type of delayed hypersensitivity reaction is speculated as a cause, exact pathogenesis still remains unclear. The prognosis is favorable and successful management relies upon general supportive and symptomatic care. We report a seven-year-old boy diagnosed with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome with monomorphous papules on his cheeks, buttocks and extremities associated with hepatitis B virus infection.

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in a child following hepatitis B virus vaccination

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is self-limited, characterized by papular eruption with a symmetrical distribution on the limbs and face of children, and a dermatosis of unknown etiology. However, there are many suggested factors such as a number of diseases (viral or bacterial) and vaccination. We report a case of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome that had developed 3 weeks after the hepatitis B virus vaccination.

Lichenoid eruptions in children

Lichenoid eruptions are quite common in children and can result from many different origins. In most instances the precise mechanism of disease is not known, although it is usually believed to be immunologic in nature. Certain disorders are common in children, whereas others more often affect the adult population. Lichen striatus, lichen nitidus, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, and lichen spinulosus are examples of lichenoid lesions that are more common in children than adults. Distinguishing these diseases is necessary for prediction of the course of the eruption and for optimal management. In most cases, certain clinical characteristics enable the clinician to reach a diagnosis, whereas in other cases biopsy is required for a definitive answer. Many of these lesions are self-limited and only require symptomatic treatment, although corticosteroids can hasten resolution in certain disorders. Discontinuation of the medication is often sufficient for resolution of lichenoid drug eruptions.

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome preceded by oral polio vaccine and followed by varicella infection

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (papular acrodermatitis of childhood) is considered a nonspecific cutaneous host response to a variety of infectious agents, particularly viruses. Herein we report a case of Gianotti- Crosti syndrome preceded by oral polio vaccine and followed by varicella infection. The present case may support the hypothesis of initial immunization and following viral infection as a possible mechanism for Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.