Laboratory Studies

In general, no laboratory studies are needed in patients with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS). Jaundice or hepatomegaly should prompt a search for the hepatitis B virus and elevated levels of liver enzymes. However, elevated levels of liver enzymes are most likely related to Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Procedures

A skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other diseases in the differential diagnosis.

Histologic Findings

Skin biopsy findings are nonspecific and are more helpful in ruling out other diseases. The epidermis shows focal spongiosis, parakeratosis, mild acanthosis, and psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia.^[5] The upper dermis has a moderately intense perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes with occasional scattered eosinophils.^[19]Extravasated erythrocytes can be found in the papillary dermis.^[15]

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Multiple erythematous flat-topped papules on the cheeks of an 18-month-old boy with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.
Arm of a 3-year-old boy with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome demonstrating well-defined erythematous lichenoid papules on the arm and forearm.
Thigh of the 3-year-old boy with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.

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Author

Sören A Craig-Müller, MD Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School

Sören A Craig-Müller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH Professor and Head of Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, New York Academy of Medicine, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Additional Contributors

Kevin P Connelly, DO Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Emergency Care, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Paws for Health Pet Visitation Program of the Richmond SPCA; Pediatric Emergency Physician, Emergency Consultants Inc, Chippenham Medical Center

Kevin P Connelly, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, American Osteopathic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Howard Pride, MD Associate Physician, Departments of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Howard Pride is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.