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Few reports describing an association between UV radiation and fixed skin eruptions have been published since 1975. These reactions have received various names, including fixed sunlight eruption, fixed exanthema due to UV radiation, and broad-spectrum abnormal localized photosensitivity syndrome. We present a series of 13 patients (4 men [30.8%] and 9 women [69.2%]) aged between 28 and 56 years who were evaluated for fixed eruptions induced by UV radiation at a dermatology referral hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The lesions were located on the inner thighs, buttocks, popliteal region, anterior and posterior axilla, and dorsum of the feet. Photoprovocation reproduced lesions in all the affected areas, and histopathology showed changes similar to those seen in fixed drug eruptions. While these UV-provoked reactions may be a type of fixed skin eruption, we cannot rule out that they may also be a distinct condition that simply shares a pathogenic mechanism with fixed eruptions. Resumen: Desde 1975 se han publicado algunos casos que asocian la radiación ultravioleta como un desencadenante de erupciones cutáneas fijas (erupción o exantema fijo por luz solar, o síndrome de fotosensibilidad localizada de amplio espectro). Describimos 13 pacientes con esta dermatosis, 4 (30,8%) hombres y 9 (69,2%) mujeres, con edades entre los 28 y 56 años, atendidos en un centro de referencia en dermatología en Bogotá (Colombia). Las lesiones se localizaron en la cara interna de los muslos, glúteos, región poplítea, axilar anterior y posterior y dorso de los pies. La prueba de fotoprovocación logró la reproducción de las lesiones en todos los casos en las áreas afectadas y la histopatología reveló cambios similares a los descritos en los eritemas fijos por medicamentos. Esta enfermedad podría corresponder a un subtipo de erupción fija, aunque no se descarta que sea una dermatosis diferente con una patogenia común.

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Congenital cutaneous candidiasis (CCC) is a rare condition in neonates, mainly in term neonates, that develops in the 1st week of life. Its broad clinical spectrum makes it challenging to differentiate it from other exanthemas in the newborn. The involvement of palms and soles and the presence of pustules are important clinical clues for the differential diagnosis, with cultural examination confirming the diagnosis by identification of Candida spp. Treatment of clinically stable term neonates without evidence of invasive disease is currently controversial. We report a case of CCC in a term newborn with no evidence of invasive disease that evolved into a clinical cure after systemic and topical antifungal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Las urgencias dermatológicas son eventos poco frecuentes que pueden ser causados por alteraciones agudas de la salud, con o sin afectación sistémica, o por enfermedades crónicas cuando se presentan cuadros de agudización.

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Introdução: O exantema em idade pediátrica representa frequentemente um desafio na prática clínica diária, na medida em que pode estar enquadrado numa grande variedade de patologias, com atingimento cutâneo isolado ou sistémico, incluindo patologias benignas e autolimitadas e situações de maior gravidade que podem requerer uma atitude mais interventiva. Os autores relatam um caso de urticária multiforme, com o objetivo de recordar os aspetos semiológicos característicos desta patologia, o seu caráter benigno, os diagnósticos diferenciais a considerar e a terapêutica a instituir. Descrição do caso: Lactente de onze meses, do sexo masculino, sem antecedentes patológicos de relevo, trazido ao serviço de urgência por exantema evanescente e edema periférico com cerca de 24 horas de evolução, sem febre ou outras queixas associadas. Tinha terminado amoxicilina com ácido clavulânico por otite média aguda dois dias antes da vinda. Ao exame físico destacava-se um exantema maculopapular, com lesões anulares, policíclicas, de halo eritematoso e centro claro, disperso pela face, tronco e membros, pruriginoso, associado a edema ligeiro das mãos, pés e face, sem petéquias, sem atingimento das mucosas nem outras alterações relevantes. Não se considerou necessária a realização de exames complementares, tendo tido alta com diagnóstico de urticária multiforme em contexto pós-infecioso/pós-farmacológico, medicado com anti-histamínico e corticoide por via oral. Verificou-se resolução completa das lesões cerca de 48 horas depois. Comentário: A urticária multiforme é uma patologia benigna e autolimitada que surge sobretudo em idade pediátrica, caracterizada pelo aparecimento de exantema maculopapular eritematoso, com lesões anulares e policíclicas, evanescente, facilmente confundível com outras patologias mais graves. Inicialmente pode assemelhar-se a eritema multiforme, doença do soro-like, vasculite urticariforme e edema hemorrágico da infância; no entanto, estas entidades representam patologias distintas, com abordagens e prognósticos diferentes, sendo extremamente importante a distinção clínica entre as mesmas.

El síndrome DRESS es una reacción adversa dermatológica que puede presentarse debido a diversos medicamentos, y constituye uno de los diagnósticos más importantes por encima del síndrome de Stevens-Johnson. Se trata de un caso relacionado con una reacción adversa de muy baja frecuencia, que está documentada en la literatura científica, a varios medicamentos, entre ellos la fenitoína. Por lo mencionado, la publicación de estos casos resulta escasa y limitada. Las principales preocupaciones del paciente relacionadas con su cuadro clínico radicaban en el gran compromiso cutáneo que lo llevó a hospitalización, dolor e incomodidad, por el cual recurrió al manejo tópico generalizado con vaselina. Los hallazgos clínicos relevantes fueron: eosinofilia severa, ulceraciones cutáneas, hepatitis química y fiebre. Con los hallazgos del cuadro clínico y la evaluación de la escala RegiSCAR se hace el diagnóstico de síndrome DRESS inducido por fenitoína. Se suspende la fenitoína, se inicia levetiracetam y se administran corticosteroides y acetaminofén con evolución favorable.

Adult Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) is a rare, systemic inflammatory disease. Its main manifestations consist of fever, arthralgias and evanescent rash and diagnosis is essentially clinical. The authors present a case of a 43-year-old woman admitted to the Emergency Department because of fever, odynophagia and arthralgia for about 2 weeks. Complementary diagnostic tests showed elevation of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and leukocytosis. After exhaustive investigation, the diagnosis of AOSD was made. The authors intend to alert to the importance of the inclusion of this pathology in the differential diagnosis of undetermined febrile syndrome.

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La reciente aparición de multitud de vacunas contra la infección por SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) acuciada por la actual pandemia mundial ha hecho crecer la preocupación acerca del perfil de seguridad o reacciones adversas de las mismas. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con antecedente reciente de neumonía por SARS-Cov2 que presentó reacción exantemática y tromboembolismo pulmonar tras ser inmunizada con la vacuna Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine ( Ad26.COV2-S ) Several vaccines have appeared in recent times given the need for vaccinations against SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) infection. General concern about their safety and possible adverse events has also emerged. We present the case of a patient with recent history of COVID-19 pneumonia who presented generalized exanthema and pulmonary embolism after being immunized with COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen ( Ad26.COV2-S ).

El síndrome de hipersensibilidad a medicamentos, con exantema, eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (Drug Rash Eosinophylia with Systemic Symptoms, DRESS) es una reacción a diferentes medicamentos, principalmente anticonvulsivos, el cual cursa con compromiso sistémico y lesiones eritematosas, al igual que ocurre en diversas dermatosis por reacción a medicamentos. Este síndrome es una condición clínica poco frecuente, cuyo diagnóstico requiere un alto grado de sospecha por parte del personal clínico. Si no se hace un diagnóstico oportuno y se suministra el tratamiento adecuado, puede confundirse con otros tipos de alergias a medicamentos que implican riesgo de muerte. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 22 años de edad con alteración del neurodesarrollo a quien se le inició tratamiento con carbamazepina. Dos meses después consultó debido a la aparición de síntomas generales y lesiones eritematosas en la piel, inicialmente en el tronco. En la atención ambulatoria se le prescribieron antihistamínicos y antipiréticos, con los cuales no mejoró adecuadamente; su condición empeoró, con la aparición de lesiones en la piel y síntomas sistémicos propios del síndrome DRESS. Al cabo del tratamiento farmacológico administrado durante su hospitalización según los lineamientos recomendados, las manifestaciones y complicaciones asociadas con el síndrome remitieron, la administración de esteroides pudo reducirse gradualmente y, finalmente, el paciente fue dado de alta.

Among the infections caused by Streptococcus β hemolyticus from the Lancefield serogroup A, toxic shock syndrome is perhaps the most severe, and its mortality rate is high. Its clinical similarity to other forms of shock, especially septic shock, can often confuse the evaluator and interfere with the selection of the most appropriate therapy. This report aims to inform readers of the need to add this syndrome as a differential diagnosis in cases of shock, especially those with no well-defined clinical manifestations. For this purpose, we present the case of an infant with common flu-like symptoms who progressed rapidly with a rash, a reduced level of consciousness and clinical and laboratory signs of shock that required intensive support. In addition to cultures indicating the etiological agent, the appearance of exanthema and necrotizing fasciitis led to the diagnosis. However, less than 50% of cases present classic clinical signs of this entity. Penicillins combined with aminoglycosides are still the therapy of choice and are supported by a high level of evidence. Despite the severity of this patient’s presentation, the progression was satisfactory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Resumo OBJETIVO: Confirmar a circulação do vírus Zika e descartar outros agentes etiológicos em surto ocorrido no Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Maranhão (MA) e Paraíba (PB), em maio/2015. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo de série de casos com residentes em Natal-RN, Barra do Corda-MA, São Luís-MA e João Pessoa-PB, 20 em cada estado, com exantema e ausência de febre ou febre baixa e um dos seguintes sinais/sintomas, hiperemia conjuntival, artralgia ou edema de membros; realizou-se RT-PCR/isolamento para Zika, enterovírus e vírus respiratórios, e sorologias (dengue, rubéola e parvovírus B19). RESULTADOS: os principais sintomas foram exantema (n=60), prurido (n=54) e artralgia (n=47); 51 indivíduos não apresentaram febre; identificou-se vírus Zika em 18 casos (12 na PB, quatro no MA e dois no RN) e anticorpos para dengue em 14. CONCLUSÃO: os sintomas foram compatíveis com febre pelo vírus Zika; houve confirmação laboratorial de Zika e dengue.

Adult Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) is a rare, systemic inflammatory disease. Its main manifestations consist of fever, arthralgias and evanescent rash and the diagnosis is essentially clinical. The authors present a case of a 43-year-old woman admitted to the Emergency Department because of fever, odynophagia and arthralgia for about 2 weeks. Complementary diagnostic tests showed elevation of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and leukocytosis. After exhaustive investigation, the diagnosis of AOSD was made. The authors intend to alert to the importance of the inclusion of this pathology in the differential diagnosis of undetermined febrile syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a rare disease characterized by acral papular eruption with symmetrical distribution. It is a benign and self-limited disease; the symptoms disappear after two to eight weeks, without recurrences or scars. Skin lesions are usually asymptomatic. Prodrome might occur, suggesting upper respiratory infection, or constitutional symptoms. Diagnosis is eminently clinical, and this disease is associated with viral infections. Due to its rarity and low occurrence in adolescents and adults, we report a case of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome of a teenager.

DRESS syndrome (Drug rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is an idiosyncratic reaction (type B), characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, such as fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, atypical lymphocytes and elevation of liver enzymes at least twice its normal level or increase of alanine amino transferase (ALT) >100 U/L. Its incidence is of 1/1,000 to 10,000 exposures and its mortality is of 10%-20%. Treatment is based on steroids and on the suspension of the suspect drug. This paper reports the cases of six patients with DRESS syndrome attended at Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Mexico City, from September 2012 to September 2013, which accounted for 12.5% of patients attended with adverse reactions to drugs.

FUNDAMENTOS: A coccidioidomicose é micose sistêmica usualmente manifesta como infecção benigna de resolução espontânea; porém, uma pequena proporção dos infectados desenvolve quadros progressivos potencialmente fatais, podendo atingir a pele com lesões pleomórficas disseminadas. OBJETIVOS: Identificar e descrever as manifestações cutâneo-mucosas da coccidioidomicose, as ocupações de risco relacionadas à doença e o quadro clínico associado. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado entre os anos 2003 e 2006 em 30 pacientes portadores de coccidioidomicose provenientes dos estados do Piauí e Maranhão e diagnosticados por exame microscópico direto, cultivo do escarro ou sorologia de triagem de imunodifusão dupla em gel de ágar, aliados à anamnese e exame físico. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se lesões extrapulmonares em 13 casos (43,3%), com predomínio de manifestações dermatológicas de hipersensibilidade: eritema nodoso (26,6%), exantema com lesões eritemato-escamosas (26,6%) e eritema multiforme (23,3%), além de úlceras de língua (13,3%) e lábio (6,6%) e abscesso subcutâneo (3,3%). Tais manifestações foram observadas na fase aguda da doença. CONCLUSÕES: As manifestações cutâneas associadas à infecção respiratória aguda fortalecem a hipótese diagnóstica desta doença, especialmente, em caçadores de tatus ou pessoas expostas à escavação do solo.BACKGROUND: Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis that usually presents as a benign infection. Patients generally recover spontaneously; however, a small proportion of infected individuals develop progressive complications that may affect the skin in the form of disseminated pleomorphic lesions and may become fatal. OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe skin and mucous membrane manifestations of coccidioidomycosis, to identify occupational hazards associated with the disease and to determine its associated clinical presentation. METHODS: A study conducted between 2003 and 2006 involving 30 patients from the Brazilian states of Piauí and Maranhão with coccidioidomycosis diagnosed by direct microscopy, sputum culture or screening serology using agar gel double immunodiffusion, in association with anamnesis and physical examination. RESULTS: Extrapulmonary lesions were found in 13 cases (43.3%), consisting predominantly of dermatological manifestations of hypersensitivity: erythema nodosum (26.6%), exanthema with erythematosquamous lesions (26.6%) and erythema multiforme (23.3%), as well as ulcerations of the tongue (13.3%), lip ulcers (6.6%) and subcutaneous abscess (3.3%). These manifestations were seen during the acute phase of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Skin manifestations associated with an acute respiratory infection reinforce the hypothesis of a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis, particularly in individuals who hunt armadillos or in those exposed to soil excavation.

A doença de Kawasaki é vasculite sistêmica e aguda de etiologia desconhecida. Constitui a principal causa de doença cardíaca adquirida em crianças nos EUA. Ocorre mais frequentemente em meninos, 80% dos casos em crianças com menos de cinco anos, sendo rara após os oito anos. Pode atingir crianças de todas as raças, tendo maior incidência entre os descendentes asiáticos. Caracteriza-se por febre, conjuntivite bilateral não exsudativa, eritema e edema de língua, lábios e mucosa oral, alterações de extremidades, linfonodomegalia cervical, exantema polimórfico. Aneurismas e estenoses de artérias coronárias são comuns em percentual que varia de 20 a 25% dos pacientes não tratados, podendo posteriormente levar a infarto agudo do miocárdio e morte súbita. O tratamento com imunoglobulina intravenosa é efetivo e deve ser iniciado precocemente a fim de evitar sequelas cardíacas. O desenvolvimento de testes diagnósticos, terapêuticas mais específicas e a prevenção dessa doença potencialmente fatal em crianças dependem dos contínuos avanços na determinação de sua etiopatogenia.Kawasaki disease is a systemic acute vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the USA. It occurs more frequently in boys and eighty percent of the cases occur in children under five years of age. The disease rarely occurs after eight years and it can affect children of all races, with higher incidence among Asian descendants. Kawasaki disease is characterized by fever, bilateral non-exudative conjunctivitis, redness and swelling of the tongue, lips and oral mucosa, abnormalities in the extremities, cervical lymph node, and polymorphic exanthema. Aneurysms and stenoses of coronary arteries occur in pproximately 20 to 25% of untreated patients and subsequently can lead to acute myocardial infarction and sudden death. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin is effective and should be initiated early to prevent cardiac sequel. The development of diagnostic tests, more specific treatment approaches and prevention of this potentially fatal disease in children depends on continuous advances in the determination of its pathogenesis.

El clopidogrel es uno de los antiagregantes plaquetarios que más se utiliza en la actualidad en cardiología, y su uso viene en incremento desde su introducción en la práctica clínica. La alergia a este medicamento es rara. Como su uso es cada día más habitual y se considera esencial en la profilaxis de trombosis del stent, cuando en estos casos se presenta una reacción alérgica, el médico se enfrenta a un dilema difícil de resolver, ya que su suspenderlo en pacientes con stents medicados podría tener consecuencias catastróficas. En este artículo se describen dos casos de hipersensibilidad al clopidogrel y se realiza una revisión de la literatura y de las opciones disponibles que existen ante la alergia a este medicamento, así como los protocolos de desensibilización al mismo.Clopidogrel is actually one of the most common used inhibitors of platelet aggregation in cardiology and its use is being increased since its introduction in the clinical practice. Allergy to this medicine is rare. As it is now more currently used and is considered essential in the prophylaxis of stent thrombosis, when allergy supervenes, the physician faces a dilemma difficult to solve, because in these patients with medicated stents, its suspension could be catastrophic. In this article, two cases of hypersensitivity to clopidogrel are described. Review of literature and of the available options for treating this allergy and of the protocols of desensitization to this medicine is done.

OBJETIVO: Estudar a etiologia dos casos de exantema com ou sem febre em crianças atendidas no pronto-socorro de um hospital de uma zona endêmica para dengue. MÉTODOS: No período de 21/09/2001 a 20/09/2002, foram inscritas no estudo 95,9% (71/74) das crianças atendidas no pronto-socorro do Hospital Universitário de Campo Grande (MS) que apresentassem exantema (percentual de recusa de 4,1%). Após preenchimento do protocolo com os dados das crianças, as mesmas foram submetidas a exame físico seguido da coleta de amostras de sangue para realizar hemograma com contagem de plaquetas e sorologias (IgM e IgG); inicialmente para dengue, rubéola e toxoplasmose e, posteriormente, naqueles casos com resultado negativo, realizou-se sorologia para parvovirose, herpes vírus tipo 6 e sarampo. RESULTADOS: O diagnóstico laboratorial foi confirmado através da pesquisa de anticorpo IgM em 88,7% dos casos investigados: dengue (77,5%), herpes vírus tipo 6 (8,4%), parvovirose (2,8%) e diagnóstico inconclusivo em oito pacientes (11,3%). Não foi evidenciada sorologia positiva (IgM) para sarampo, rubéola ou toxoplasmose naquela ocasião. As manifestações clínicas mais freqüentes nos pacientes com dengue foram: febre, prurido, prostração, mialgia e prova do laço positiva. Nos pacientes cujo diagnóstico foi dengue, a prova do laço foi positiva em 58,4% (32/55) dos casos, demonstrando diferença estatisticamente significativa quando comparada com o grupo cujo diagnóstico não foi dengue. CONCLUSÕES: Nas crianças com exantema, dengue pode ser a principal enfermidade causal, atentando-se para a epidemiologia do local. É necessário um controle constante da vigilância epidemiológica e sorológica das doenças exantemáticas.OBJECTIVE: To study the etiology of exanthema cases, with or without fever, in children seen in the emergency room of a hospital located in a region where dengue is endemic. METHODS: Enrollment took place between 21/09/2001 and 20/09/2002 and included 95.9% (71/74) of children presenting with exanthema at the emergency room of the Hospital Universitário de Campo Grande, MS (4.1% refusals). After the children had had their details taken and entered on the study protocol, they were subjected to physical examination followed by collection of blood samples for blood testing with platelet counts and serology (IgM and IgG); initially for dengue, rubella and toxoplasmosis and then, in negative cases, serology was also run for parvovirus, herpes virus type 6 and measles. RESULTS: Laboratory diagnoses were confirmed by means of IgM antibody assay in 88.7% of the cases investigated: dengue (77.5%), herpes virus type 6 (8.4%), parvovirus (2.8%) and in eight patients diagnosis was inconclusive (11.3%). On this occasion no positive serology (IgM) was observed for measles, rubella or toxoplasmosis. The most common clinical manifestations among the dengue patients were: fever, itching, prostration, myalgia and positive tourniquet test results. In 58.4% (32/55) of those cases diagnosed with dengue, the tourniquet test was positive, which was a statistically significant difference when compared with the remainder of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: When children present with exanthema, it is possible that dengue is the primary causative disease, depending on the epidemiology of the location. Constant control of epidemiological and serological surveillance of exanthematous diseases is necessary.

OBJETIVOS: Identificar características clínicas indicativas de dengue e avaliar a aplicabilidade, na criança, do critério de caso suspeito do Ministério da Saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, realizado no Centro Geral de Pediatria, Fundação Hospitalar de Minas Gerais. Foram incluídas crianças com doença febril aguda sem etiologia definida, com duração > 24 horas e < 7 dias, procedentes da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. Foram investigadas variáveis clínicas, realizados exames específicos e dosagem de aspartato-aminotransferase, em período considerado endêmico e epidêmico da doença. O grupo de crianças com dengue foi comparado com o grupo com doenças febris agudas inespecíficas. O critério de caso suspeito do Ministério da Saúde foi avaliado. RESULTADOS: O diagnóstico de dengue foi feito em 50,4% das 117 crianças incluídas no estudo. Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre a doença e a maioria dos sintomas analisados. Somente o exantema associou-se mais à dengue (Razão de Prevalência = 1,49; IC a 95%: 1,05-2,11). A sensibilidade do critério de caso suspeito de dengue foi de somente 50,8%, e o valor preditivo positivo de 62,5%. Esses valores foram maiores nos escolares e no período de maior incidência da doença. CONCLUSÕES: A dengue é freqüente entre as doenças febris na infância, com prevalência variando de acordo com a situação epidemiológica. A clínica das crianças com dengue foi muito semelhante à das crianças com outras doenças inespecíficas. O critério de caso suspeito do Ministério da Saúde mostrou-se de pouca utilidade, principalmente nas crianças menores e em períodos de menor incidência.OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical characteristics indicative of dengue and to evaluate the applicability to children of the Health Ministry criteria for suspected cases. METHODOS: A cross-sectional study undertaken at the General Pediatrics Center of the Fundação Hospitalar de Minas Gerais. Children were enrolled if presenting acute febrile conditions with no definite etiology, lasting > 24 hours and < 7 days and if resident in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte. Clinical variables were investigated, specific tests were performed and aspartate-aminotransferase assayed, during a period considered both endemic and epidemic for the disease. The subset of children who did have dengue was compared with the subset of nonspecific acute febrile diseases. The Health Ministry criteria for suspected cases was evaluated. RESULTS: Dengue was diagnosed in 50.4% of the 117 children studied. There were no statistically significant associations between the disease and the majority of the symptoms analyzed. Only exanthema was more often associated with dengue (Prevalence Ratio = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.05-2.11). The criteria for suspected cases of dengue had a sensitivity of just 50.8% and a positive predictive value of 62.5%. These values were greater among schoolchildren and during the period of greater disease incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue is common among febrile diseases of childhood, with prevalence that varies according to the epidemiological situation. The clinical status of children with dengue was very similar to that of children with other nonspecific diseases. The Health Ministry criteria for suspected cases were shown to be of little use, particularly with smaller children and during periods of reduced incidence.

FUNDAMENTOS: A síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti (SGC) é uma doença rara e autolimitada caracterizada por erupção eritematopapulosa acrolocalizada e simétrica. Relaciona-se, na maioria das vezes, com infecção pelos vírus da hepatite B e Epstein-Barr, porém há poucas publicações relacionando a SGC com herpesvírus humano tipo 6 (HHV6). OBJETIVO: Estudar aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais e investigar a participação de patógenos virais na etiologia de casos de SGC procedentes de Belém-PA. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Dez crianças com diagnóstico clínico de SGC foram investigadas no período de agosto de 1996 a dezembro de 2002, utilizando-se provas laboratoriais de rotina e pesquisa de anticorpos séricos específicos para determinados vírus. O diagnóstico de SGC estabeleceu-se quando, além de aspectos clínicos considerados compatíveis, um ou mais dos seguintes critérios estavam presentes: elevação das enzimas hepáticas, linfocitose, positividade sorológica para um ou mais agentes virais ou história de vacinação prévia. RESULTADOS: Seis pacientes (60%) apresentaram evidência de infecção primária pelo HHV6 demonstrada pela presença de anticorpos específicos da classe IgM. CONCLUSÃO: A detecção de anticorpos anti-HHV6 da classe IgM em seis dos pacientes apresentados sugere um possível papel etiológico desse vírus na doença, recomendando-se que seja acrescentado ao painel sorológico rotineiramente pesquisado em processos exantemáticos com morfologia sugestiva de SGC.BACKGROUND: Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS) is a rare, self-limited disease characterized by a symmetrical erythematopapulous, acral-based eruption. In most cases a definite relationship with a viral infection can be established, especially when hepatitis B or Epstein-Barr viruses are involved. However, few case reports on associations between GCS and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) have been published to date. OBJECTIVE: To study clinical and laboratorial aspects as well as to investigate the role of viral pathogens in the etiology of GCS cases from Belem (PA), Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 1996 to December 2002, ten children with a clinical diagnosis of GCS were investigated through routine laboratory exams and serologically screened for several virus specific antibodies. A diagnosis of GCS was considered for cases that presented clinical aspects considered suggestive, together with one or more of the following criteria: elevated titers of hepatic enzymes, lymphocytosis, positive viral serology or history of a prior vaccination. RESULTS: Six out of 10 children (60%) showed evidence of HHV6 primary infection, as demonstrated through specific IgM-antibody positivity. CONCLUSION: Anti-HHV6-IgM antibody positivity in 6/10 patients suggests that the pathogen can play a role in the etiology of GCS. Consequently, the authors recommend that this virus is added to the routine serological tests when exanthematous processes are concerned, especially those with a morphology suggestive of GCS.

The Americas have set a goal of interrupting indigenous transmission of measles using a strategy developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This strategy includes recommendations for vaccination activities to achieve and sustain high immunity in the population and is complemented by sensitive epidemiological surveillance systems developed to monitor illnesses characterized by febrile rash, and to provide effective virological and serological surveillance. A key component in ensuring the success of the programme has been a laboratory network comprising 22 national laboratories including reference centres. Commercially available indirect enzyme immunoassay kits (EIA) for immunoglobulin M (IgM)-class antibodies are currently being used throughout the region. However, because there are few or no true measles cases in the region, the positive predictive value of these diagnostic tests has decreased. False-positive results of IgM tests can also occur as a result of testing suspected measles cases with exanthemata caused by Parvovirus B19, rubella and Human herpesvirus 6, among others. In addition, as countries maintain high levels of vaccination activity and increased surveillance of rash and fever, the notification of febrile rash illness in recently vaccinated people can be anticipated. Thus, managers in the measles elimination programme must be prepared to address the interpretation of a positive result of a laboratory test for measles IgM when clinical and epidemiological data may indicate that the case is not measles. The interpretation of an IgM-positive test under different circumstances and the definition of a vaccine-related rash illness in a setting of greatly reduced, or absent, transmission of measles is discussed.

As reações cutâneas graves adversas à droga são as que geralmente necessitam de internação hospitalar, por vezes em unidade de terapia intensiva ou de queimados, com observação minuciosa dos sinais vitais e da função de órgãos internos. O objetivo é descrever estas reações facilitando o seu reconhecimento e tratamento. Fazem parte deste grupo a Síndrome de Hipersensibilidade à Droga (SHD), a Pustulose Exantemática Generalizada Aguda (PEGA), a Necrose Cutânea induzida por Anticoagulante, as Vasculites de Pequenos Vasos (VPV), a Vasculite de Hipersensibilidade ao Propiltiouracil (VHP) e as Reações tipo Doença do Soro (RDS). A SHD tem-se tornado de elevada relevância clínica devido ao uso amplo dos anticonvulsivantes aromáticos e da dapsona, utilizada no tratamento de doenças como a acne e a hanseníase. A PEGA é determinada principalmente pelos derivados beta-lactâmicos e tem como principal diagnóstico diferencial a psoríase pustulosa generalizada. As VPV tegumentares podem refletir uma doença multissistêmica subjacente, com danos graves em órgãos nobres, como os rins, pulmões e sistema hematológico, com morbidade elevada e possível letalidade. Abordamos as características clínicas e o tratamento destas reações adversas à droga.Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions generally require hospitalization, sometimes in intensive care or burns units, for observation of the vital signs and the visceral function. The objective was to describe these reactions in order to facilitate recognition and treatment. This group of drug reactions includes drug hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), anticoagulant-induced skin necrosis, small-vessel vasculitis (SVV), propylthiouracil hypersensitivity vasculitis and serum sickness disease. DHS has been most relevant due to universal prescription of aromatic anticonvulsant drugs and dapsone use in the treatment of some diseases such as acne and leprosy. AGEP is mostly induced by b-lactam related drugs and presents similar clinical characteristics as generalized pustular psoriasis, thus these must be differentiated. SVV can present an occult systemic illness, with impairment of relevant internal organs, such as kidneys, lungs and hematological system, with elevated morbidity and risk of death.

A pitiríase rósea purpúrica constitui doença rara e 10 casos foram publicados na Europa e EUA. O quadro clínico cutâneo é a forma hemorrágica ou purpúrica com variável descamação marginal. Relata-se o caso de um homem de 25 anos de idade com lesões na região escapular. A revisão da literatura enfatiza o diagnóstico diferencial das lesões purpúricas. Segundo Lilacs e Medline, não foram relatados casos na literatura latino-americana.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical differential diagnosis of rash due to viral infections is often difficult, and misdiagnosis is not rare, especially after the introduction of measles and rubella vaccination. A study to determine the etiological diagnosis of exanthema was carried out in a group of children after measles vaccination. METHODS: Sera collected from children with rash who received measles vaccine were reported in 1999. They were analyzed for IgM antibodies against measles virus, rubella virus, human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) using ELISA commercial techniques, and human herpes virus 6 (HHV 6) using immunofluorescence commercial technique. Viremia for each of those viruses was tested using a polimerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A total of 17 cases of children with exanthema after measles immunization were reported in 1999. The children, aged 9 to 12 months (median 10 months), had a blood sample taken for laboratory analysis. The time between vaccination and the first rash signs varied from 1 to 60 days. The serological results of those 17 children suspected of measles or rubella infection showed the following etiological diagnosis: 17.6% (3 in 17) HPV B19 infection; 76.5% (13 in 17) HHV 6 infection; 5.9% (1 in 17) rash due to measles vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: The study data indicate that infection due to HPV B19 or HHV 6 can be misdiagnosed as exanthema due to measles vaccination. Therefore, it is important to better characterize the etiology of rash in order to avoid attributing it incorrectly to measles vaccine.

O Síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti consiste numa erupção papular ou papulovesicular, monomórfica, simetricamente distribuída pela face, membros e região glútea. Apresentamos o caso clínico de uma criança do sexo masculino, quatro anos de idade, com exantema papulovesicular monomórfico, distribuído nas superfícies extensoras dos quatro membros, e região glútea, precedido por infecção respiratória alta oito dias antes. Do estudo efectuado realça-se a presença de linfócitos activados no hemograma, aumento das transaminases hepáticas e evidência serológica de infecção aguda pelo vírus Epstein Barr. O Síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti é uma entidade clínica estabelecida, muitas vezes subdiagnosticada. O seu diagnóstico é importante, na medida em que exclui patologias com as quais faz diagnóstico diferencial, permitindo tranquilizar os pais, dada a sua, por vezes longa, evolução.

A freqüência de manifestações articulares foi avaliada em 251 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial (detecção de IgM por ensaio imunoenzimático) de virose exantemática. As artropatias (artralgia e/ou artrite) foram mais observadas nos casos de dengue (49%) e de rubéola (38,2%) do que naqueles com parvovirose humana (30%) e sarampo (28,1%). Com exceção do sarampo, as artropatias predominaram nos adultos (315 anos de idade), sendo tal diferença estatisticamente significativa. A ocorrência maior de artropatias em adultos foi mais evidente nos pacientes com parvovirose (75%), rubéola (65%) e dengue (57,7%) do que naqueles com sarampo (31%). As queixas articulares também predominaram nos pacientes do sexo feminino para todas as viroses avaliadas. Os resultados encontrados demonstram o freqüente acometimento articular nas doenças estudadas, e indicam a necessidade de comprovação laboratorial para o diagnóstico diferencial entre elas.The frequency of arthropathy was evaluated in 251 patients with clinical and serological diagnosis (specific IgM detection by enzyme immunoassay) of exanthematic disease. Arthropathy (arthralgia and/or arthritis) was more frequent in dengue fever (49%) and rubella (38.2%) cases than in human parvovirus (30%) and measles (28.1%) cases. Except for measles cases, joint complaints prevailed in adults (315 years of age) and this difference was significant. The higher frequency of arthropathy in adults was more evident in human parvovirus (75%), rubella (65%) and dengue fever (57.7%) cases than in measles cases (31%). Arthropathy was also more frequent in females for all rash diseases studied. The results of this study showed the high occurrence of joint complaints in the diseases described here and the importance of laboratory confirmation for their differential diagnosis.

Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (eczema herpeticum) is a serious infection caused principally by the herpessimplex virus 1. Thetypical clinical presentation is marked by the appearance of vesiculopapular lesions that spreads to involve the entire cutaneous surface. Here, we are reporting a case of Kaposi's varicelliform eruption with systemic dissemination caused by HSV1 in a patient with no prior history of dermatoses or immunodeficiency. This report aims to promote the recognition of this potentially fatal condition, which can be treated effectively with early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DRESS syndrome (Drug rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is an idiosyncratic reaction (type B), characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, such as fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, atypical lymphocytes and elevation of liver enzymes at least twice its normal level or increase of alanine amino transferase (ALT) >100 U/L. Its incidence is of 1/1,000 to 10,000 exposures and its mortality is of 10%-20%. Treatment is based on steroids and on the suspension of the suspect drug. This paper reports the cases of six patients with DRESS syndrome attended at Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Mexico City, from September 2012 to September 2013, which accounted for 12.5% of patients attended with adverse reactions to drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome is a rare, highly contagious dermatosis caused by parvovirus B19, which may result in the abrupt cessation of red blood cell production in patients with preexisting hematological diseases. It affects predominantly children and young adults and has an unusual presentation.A síndrome "gloves and socks" pápulo-purpúrica é uma dermatose incomum, altamente contagiosa, causada pelo parvovírus B19, que pode provocar interrupção aguda da produção de glóbulos vermelhos em pacientes com doenças hematológicas preexistentes. Acomete, principalmente, crianças e jovens, e tem uma apresentaçao nao-usual.