What is Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome?

Discussion Infectious exanthams are usually considered when rashes are bilateral, symmetric and relatively widespread. They usually involve the trunk too and have associated systemic symptoms. Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) or acropapular dermatitis of childhood is often misdiagnosed because it doesn’t follow these rules. A discussion of common viral exanthams can be reviewed here and a differential diagnosis of rashes by pattern and distributions can be reviewed here. Dr. Ferdinando Gianotti came from a poor family, underwent several personal tragedies, but entered medicine and created the first department of pediatric dermatology in Italy (possibly in Europe). He became interested in a child with papular eruption that he could not classify and after seeing several other cases over the next few months he published his first case series in 1955. Dr. Agostino Crosti was the head of the Department of Dermatology and together they published another article in 1956. Learning Point Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome (GCS) usually occurs in children 6 months – 12 years of age. Clusters of cases occur because of various viral and bacterial etiologies. It is an acute papular eruption that usually begins on the buttocks and thighs, then the outer arms and later the face. The trunk is notably spared (a key sign). The rash is also asymmetric. The papules are 5-10 mm in size and may occur singly or in clusters and be quite extensive. The papules can be flesh-colored, light to deep re...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news