Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. A review of ten cases not associated with hepatitis B.

Studies of data from ten cases of infantile acrodermatitis and from eight cases reported in the North American literature disclose distinctive papular dermatosis of the face and extremities, often related to virus infection. None of our eight patients who were tested had evidence of hepatitis B infections, although transaminase values were elevated in two. All five patients who were tested had lymphocytosis. Six patients had antecedent upper respiratory tract symptoms. Data from our cases and from the other previously reported cases indicate that the eruption is a virus-related response. Although the hepatitis virus has been the most frequently encountered causative agent to date, other viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, and parainfluenza virus, may produce a similar cutaneous response.