Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome: A Case Report in an Adult

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a viral-associated eruption that most commonly occurs in children aged 15 months to 2 years. It consists of monomorphic red-brown to pink papules and vesicles distributed symmetrically on the cheeks, extensor surface of the extremities, and buttocks. The eruption usually spontaneously resolves over the course of 10 to 60 days. We report the rare case of GCS in an adult. An otherwise healthy 20-year-old woman presented with a pruritic erup­tion of 2 weeks’ duration on the dorsal aspect of her hands and feet, elbows, and knees. The patient received oral corticosteroids prior to presentation to our clinic with some improve­ment. A biopsy revealed histopathologic findings consistent with a diagnosis of GCS. The patient’s aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were elevated. Over the course of the next 2 months, the patient’s skin findings completely resolved with normalization of liver function tests. The clinical and histologic correlation was consistent with GCS in an adult. This condition may not be as rare in adults as previously thought. Clinicians should keep GCS in their differential diagnosis when examining adult patients.