title: Infantile erythema elevatum diutinum: report of a vesiculo-bullous case.
abstract: Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a localized, low-grade form of leukocytoclastic vasculitis mainly affecting adults, with only a few pediatric cases reported in the literature. The pathogenesis of this dermatosis is unknown, although an Arthus-type reaction to bacterial and viral antigens seems involved. We describe a case of EED in a 9 year-old child suffering from recurrent pharyngotonsillitis induced by Streptococcus pyogenes. Clinical presentation of the dermatosis was atypical, with vesicles and bullae intermingled with red-purple papules and plaques distributed mainly over the extensor aspects of the extremities. Histopathological examination of a vesiculo-bullous lesion revealed a subepidermal bulla containing neutrophils and nuclear dust suggesting dermatitis herpetiformis. Fibrin in vessel walls was observed throughout the dermis. Direct immunofluorescence was negative. A prompt and complete response to sulphone therapy was obtained in conjunction with tonsillectomy. Clinicians should be aware of atypical presentations of EED in children with vesicles and bullae mimicking During's disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Second Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 23, 10126 Turin, Italy. ctomasini@molinette.piemonte.it
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tomasini
authors.forename: Zelda
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Seia
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dapavo
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soro
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Addese
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pippione
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000473:pathology