Gianotti-Crosti syndrome as presenting sign of cytomegalovirus infection: A case report and a critical appraisal of its possible cytomegalovirus etiology

Abstract

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a self-limiting exanthem of acute onset with a characteristic acral distribution, usually occurring in children. It is characterized by symmetric pink to red-brown papular or papulovesicular lesions that are a few millimetres in diameter, distributed on the face, buttocks and limbs. It may be accompanied by low-grade fever, hepato-splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. GCS is considered a unique cutaneous response to viral infection, mostly associated with hepatitis B virus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses, bacterial infections and recent immunizations may be inciting factors. We report a case of a 3-year-old girl presenting generalized, pruritic, papulovesicular eruption on the face and extremities for one month. In our case, GCS was related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) primary infection and may be considered the presenting sign of the infection.

Keywords: Cytomegalovirus infection; Etiology; Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS).