Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in two adult patients

BACKGROUND: Gianotti-Crosti syndrome was first described in Italy by Gianotti in 1955. It is considered a benign, self-limited exanthem that occurs in younger children. Adult cases are rare.

OBJECTIVE: We report two cases of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in a previously healthy 37-year old Asian and 21-year old Caucasian female.

METHODS/RESULTS: Histopathological analysis of 4-mm punch biopsies from the upper extremity of both patients revealed an interstitial dermatitis with mild to moderate perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and occasional scattered eosinophils in the superficial and mid-dermis. Clinicopathological correlation was consistent with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.

CONCLUSION: Since both patients experienced significant pruritus, patient 1 was initially treated with a high potency topical corticosteroid followed by a two-week course of oral prednisone and patient 2 was treated with a potent topical corticosteroid. Both patients were asymptomatic at follow-up 3 to 4 weeks after their initial presentation.