Asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood: a clinical, pathologic, and epidemiologic prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical, pathologic, and epidemiologic features of asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood (APEC), a clinically distinctive eruption, especially its link with pityriasis rosea and pattern of transmission.


METHODS
A prospective case series, including an analysis of epidemiologic triggering factors and mode of transmission. Pathologic study, including immunohistochemistry of the inflammatory infiltrate.


METHODS
A mixed, community-based referral center.


METHODS
A total of 37 girls and 30 boys with typical APEC referred from April 1994 to December 1996 were included in the study; 82% came from the greater Bordeaux area in France.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Possible interhuman transmission of APEC.


RESULTS
[corrected] No triggering factor was identified; no interhuman transmission occurred; and no demonstrable link with pityriasis rosea was apparent. Several new clinical variants were recognized or confirmed (high fever, facial and peripheral involvement, prolonged course). Distinctive perisudoral interface CD8+ infiltrate was suggestive of diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Interhuman transmission was doubtful, but inoculation disorder was still possible. Histopathologic findings seem more specific than previously thought.
Unité de Dermatologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Pellegrin-Enfants, Bordeaux, France.
D
D
Coustou
C
C
Léauté-Labrèze
P
P
Bioulac-Sage
L
L
Labbé
A
A
Taïeb
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005076:Exanthema / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies