Gianotti-crosti syndrome L44.4

Gianotti, 1967; Crosti, 1955

Reactive, episodic, symmetric, papular, self-limited exanthema in young children that has been described primarily in association with HBV infection but may also be observed in association with numerous other viral diseases (e.g., EBV infection, coxsackie virus infection).

Worldwide spread.

The pathogenesis is largely unexplained.

Self-limited Id reactions to viral and bacterial (mycotic?) antigens are discussed.

In larger studies, the association with a viral infection has been demonstrated in about 50% of patients (mostly EBV or hepatitis C/ B; less frequently coxsackie viruses, cytomegaloviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, RSV, parainfluenza virus, parvovirus B19, HHV-6, HHV-7, HIV, COVID-19).

Not entirely uncommon is the occurrence of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in the context of infection with Mollusca contagiosa (Bürgler C et al. 2021).

In developed countries, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is most commonly associated with EBV (Leung AKC et al. 2019).

In isolated cases, occurrence has been associated with infections caused by β-hemolytic streptococci, Trichophyton infections, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or vaccinations against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, influenza, or pertussis.

Children with atopic diathesis are frequently affected.

Occurs in children between 6 months and 14 years of age. The average age of first manifestation is about 2 years.

Preferably face, here especially cheeks, extremities (extensor sides), buttocks (symmetrical).

After a short prodromal phase with a slight feeling of illness, subfebrile temperatures, pharyngitis, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhoea), episodic, disseminated, red or brown, smooth or scaly, 0.1-0.5 cm large, clearly raised papules and vesicles appear, which can also confluence in places to form larger plaques (rather untypical).

The exanthema is typically not itchy.

A Köbner phenomenon (isomorphism) can often be detected (linear arrangement on externally irritated areas, e.g. in scratch marks).

Generalized lymphadenopathy (cervical, axillary, inguinal) and/or hepatomegaly (anicteric hepatitis) are possible.

In 50-80% of cases: lymphocytosis, but also lymphopenia, eosinophilia, elevated ESR.

Less frequently: serum transaminases elevation, positive hepatitis B or EBV serology, elevated IgE; evidence of type I sensitization.

Infectious exanthema of other genesis, especially infectious mononucleosis. Furthermore: Lichen planus, Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, Pityriasis rosea, Scabies and Abt-Letterer-Siwe disease, Mycides.

For itching, oral antihistamines such as doxylaminosuccinate (for infants 6 months and older, e.g., Mereprine syrup 1-2 times 1 teaspoon/day).

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4. Bürgler C et al (2021) Gianotti-Crosti syndrome-like reaction in molluscum contagiosum -clinical characteristics and response to therapy. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 19:1746-1752.
5. Crosti A, Gianotti F (1967) Infantile papular acrodermatitis and lymphoreticulotropic viroses. Minerva Dermatol 42: 264-278.
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