Gianotti-Crosti syndrome associated with Ebstein-Barr virus and Parvovirus B-19 coinfection in a male adult: case report and review of the literature

• Published in: Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia Vol. 151; no. 1; p. 106
• Main Authors: Stojkovic-Filipovic, Jelena, Skiljevic, Dusan, Brasanac, Dimitrije, Medenica, Ljiljana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01-02-2016
• Subjects: Acrodermatitis - complications; Acrodermatitis - drug therapy; Acrodermatitis - pathology; Adult; Buttocks - pathology; Coinfection; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - complications; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - virology; Extremities - pathology; Face - pathology; Glucocorticoids - therapeutic use; Herpesvirus 4, Human - isolation & purification; Histamine Antagonists - therapeutic use; Humans; Male; Parvoviridae Infections - complications; Parvoviridae Infections - virology; Parvovirus B19, Human - isolation & purification; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1827-1820

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a self-limiting, mostly childhood-appearing, cutaneous eruption with characteristic symmetric areal distribution. The original cases, described by Gianotti in 1955, were associated with hepatitis B virus infection, but other viral and bacterial infections, as well as immunizations, have been implied in etiology of this condition. Adult cases are rare and have been reported almost exclusively in women. We present the case of a 20-year-old Caucasian man who had typical clinical presentation: monomorphic pale, pink-to-flesh - colored or erythematous papules and papulovesicles localized symmetrically over the extensor surfaces of the extremities, buttocks and the face; some lesions were detected on knees, elbows and palms, as well. Laboratory tests revealed slight bilirubin and alanine aminotransaminase elevation. Serology tests demonstrated antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus and parvovirus B-19. Histology of skin biopsy specimens revealed a vesicular dermatitis with perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Oral and topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines led to complete resolution of lesions in 3 weeks. GCS is rare in adults, especially men. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth male adult case and the first with Parvovirus B-19 and EBV coinfection.