Gianotti–Crosti syndrome mainly affects
infants and young
children. Children as young as 1.5 months and up to 12 years of age are reported to be affected.[9] It is generally recognized as a
papular or
papulovesicular skin
rash occurring mainly on the
face and
distal aspects of the four
limbs.
Purpura is generally not seen but may develop upon
tourniquet test. However, extensive purpura without any
hemorrhagic disorder has been reported.[9] The presence of less
florid lesions on the
trunk does not exclude the
diagnosis.
Lymphadenopathy and
hepatomegaly are sometimes noted. Raised
AST and
ALT levels with no rise in conjugated and unconjugated
bilirubin levels are sometimes detectable, although the absence of such does not exclude the diagnosis. Spontaneous disappearance of the rash usually occurs after 15 to 60 days.[citation needed]
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Gianotti–Crosti syndrome is clinical. A validated diagnostic criterion[10][11][12] is as follows:
A patient is diagnosed as having Gianotti–Crosti syndrome if:
On at least one occasion or clinical encounter, he/she exhibits all the positive clinical features,
On all occasions or clinical encounters related to the rash, he/she does not exhibit any of the negative clinical features,
None of the differential diagnoses is considered to be more likely than Gianotti–Crosti syndrome on clinical judgment, and
If lesional biopsy is performed, the histopathological findings are consistent with Gianotti–Crosti syndrome.
The positive clinical features are:
Monomorphous, flat-topped, pink-brown papules or papulovesicles 1-10mm in diameter.
At least three of the following four sites involved – (1) cheeks, (2) buttocks, (3) extensor surfaces of forearms, and (4) extensor surfaces of legs.
Gianotti-Crosti disease is a harmless and self-limiting condition, so no treatment may be required.[13] Treatment is mainly focused on controlling itching, symptomatic relief and to avoid any further complications. For symptomatic relief from itching, oral
antihistamines or any soothing lotions like calamine lotion or zinc oxide may be used. If there are any associated conditions like streptococcal infections,
antibiotics may be required.[10][11][12][13]
^Haki M, Tsuchida M, Kotsuji M, et al. (October 1997). "Gianotti-Crosti syndrome associated with cytomegalovirus antigenemia after bone marrow transplantation". Bone Marrow Transplantation. 20 (8): 691–3.
doi:
10.1038/sj.bmt.1700945.
PMID9383234.
^Chandrasekaran M, Mukherjee S (September 2007). "Gianotti Crosti syndrome". Indian Pediatrics. 44 (9): 695.
PMID17921560.
^CROSTI A, GIANOTTI F (November 1957). "[Eruptive dermatosis of probable viral origin situated on the acra.]". Dermatologica (in French). 115 (5): 671–7.
doi:
10.1159/000256031.
PMID13500859.
^
abChuh, AA (September 2001). "Diagnostic criteria for Gianotti-Crosti syndrome: a prospective case-control study for validity assessment". Cutis; Cutaneous Medicine for the Practitioner. 68 (3): 207–13.
PMID11579787.
^
abChuh, Antonio; Lee, Albert; Zawar, Vijay (1 September 2004). "The Diagnostic Criteria of Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome: Are They Applicable to Children in India?". Pediatric Dermatology. 21 (5): 542–547.
doi:
10.1111/j.0736-8046.2004.21503.x.
PMID15461758.
S2CID22924542.