Gianotti-Krosti syndrome is a combination of dermatological symptoms that occur against the background of infectious processes. Pathology is expressed in the appearance of rashes on the skin of the face, gluteal muscles and extremities. Often, the disease is accompanied by concomitant symptoms that affect other organs (liver, lymph glands, spleen).
When was the pathology discovered?
About sixty years ago, the disease was discovered by a doctor by the name of Gianotti. The doctor observed the patient with enlarged lymph glands, signs of inflammation of the liver and rashes of a red tint in the form of nodules that were located on the skin of the face, buttocks, arms and legs. Initially, the specialist suggested that these symptoms are associated with the penetration of microbes into the body. The pathology was named after two doctors - Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. A synonym for this term is the phrase "papular acrodermatitis." The disease refers to inflammatory ailments of the skin.
The main factors contributing to the development of pathology
The syndrome has an infectious nature. The doctor who first described it believed that the disease was associated with exposure to type B hepatitis virus.
According to experts, papular acrodermatitis in pediatric patients is considered one of the specific signs of liver inflammation. Therapy for Janotti-Krosti syndrome was carried out simultaneously with the treatment of the underlying ailment. Several years later, signs of a similar disease were found in an individual who did not suffer from type B hepatitis. Therefore, pathology can develop against the background of other infectious processes.
Risk groups
Gianotti-Krosti syndrome is a rare disorder. Modern studies have shown that its appearance is not associated with the presence of a hereditary predisposition. Persons of both sexes are susceptible to pathology, however, boys are slightly more likely to fall ill, and the average age of patients is two years. The disease occurs in both children and adolescents. In adults, it is extremely rare (usually in the presence of type B hepatitis). In general, Gianotti-Krosti syndrome is diagnosed in patients from six months to fourteen years old. The greatest number of cases is detected in the autumn and winter. In some patients with this pathology, the Epstein-Barr virus was detected, which causes the development of infectious mononucleosis.
The main symptoms of the disease
With Gianotti-Krosti syndrome, approximately the same symptoms are observed in children and adults. Manifestations of the pathology begin with the appearance of plaques and nodes on the surface of the face, legs, hands, gluteal muscles. Often, rashes are accompanied by a sensation of itching. Other signs of the disease are usually mild. However, upon examination, the doctor in the patient discovers an increase in the volume of the liver, lymph glands, spleen, oral ulcers, inflammatory processes in the pharynx, and fever.
Features of manifestations
Continuing to talk about Gianotti-Krosti syndrome, the causes and symptoms of the condition, it should be noted that the symptoms of the disease are determined by the nature of the concomitant diseases. For example, in the presence of infectious mononucleosis, rashes occur only on the surface of the face.
As a rule, nodules do not rise above the surface of the skin. They have approximately the same appearance. Sores and blisters in patients are not observed. In this condition, rashes never appear on the patient’s torso. Nodules are small (from one to five millimeters) and have a dense structure. In appearance, they resemble domes. Rashes are often formed in the area of mechanical damage to the skin. Nodules often connect to each other around the elbows and knees, forming large areas of dermatitis. They most often have a bright red tint. However, in some patients raspberry and pinkish papules are observed. It is quite difficult to detect such rashes.
Stages of development of Gianotti-Krosti syndrome
With the penetration of microbes into the body, an infectious process with blood spreads to the skin. As a result of exposure to the virus, the patient's immune system triggers a special mechanism that provokes inflammation and the appearance of a rash.
This reaction is similar to allergy symptoms. Distribution of nodules, as a rule, is observed for seven days. In this case, rashes arise in the area of new areas of the epidermis. Papules completely disappear within two to eight weeks.
Types of ailments that can trigger a pathology
A contributing factor to the onset of the disease is infection with hepatitis B virus or mononucleosis. However, the disease develops against the background of other ailments. Among them can be listed:
- Parainfluenza
- Intestinal infection.
- Rubella.
- The ailments that provoke herpes of any type.
- Rotavirus infection.
In addition, experts argue that papular acrodermatitis sometimes develops in small patients after vaccines against measles, tetanus, polio, pertussis and other childhood diseases.
In recent medical studies, there is evidence that the pathology occurred in children as a result of infection with pathogens of meningitis, mycoplasma and group A streptococci.
Symptoms of similar symptoms
It is necessary to conduct differential diagnosis of the syndrome with the following conditions:
- Arthropod bites. With this ailment, rashes are asymmetric. In the affected area of the epidermis, a point trail is visible.
- Atopic form of dermatitis, which is accompanied by the appearance of nodules on the surface of the skin.
Pathology is chronic with periodic relapses.
- Lichen planus. The disease is accompanied by the appearance of raspberry-colored papules with a white coating. They are located on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, the bend of the wrists and in the shins.
- Medicinal Wash. It is observed after the use of a certain drug, it covers the entire surface of the body (trunk, limbs).
Diagnostic measures and methods of therapy
How to detect Janotti-Krosti syndrome? In order to identify this pathology, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory blood test. In patients, there is a decrease in the number of leukocytes and an increase in the number of lymphocytes. These signs relate to non-specific symptoms of a viral illness. In addition, it is important to check the blood for the presence of a type B hepatitis pathogen.
If Janotti-Krosti syndrome is detected in children, the treatment consists in the use of medicines with antihistamine action, drugs that help lower body temperature, vitamin supplements. In rare cases, experts recommend using hormones (in the form of gels, sprays, creams) as a method of therapy. However, ointments that give an antibacterial effect are prescribed quite often.
With a pronounced sensation of itching, doctors usually advise such drugs as Suprastin and Loratadin. To alleviate the condition, the patient is recommended to observe bed rest. The patient needs to use a sufficient amount of fluid to remove toxic compounds and bacteria from the body.
A specific medication that allows you to get rid of the symptoms of papular acrodermatitis has not been developed to date. Signs of pathology go away by themselves, even if there is no therapy. But, despite the fact that the disease may seem relatively harmless, one should not try to cope with its manifestations on its own. It is necessary to consult a doctor.