Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in an adult following recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

SUMMARY A 44-year-old insulin-dependant diabetic woman presented with a pruritic papular eruption involving her hands, forearms and elbows. One week prior to the eruption, the patient had an upper respiratory tract infection and had taken oral ibuprofen 400 mg q.i.d. p.r.n. Skin biopsy revealed histological features consistent with Gianotti–Crosti syndrome. Serology was consistent with recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and past Epstein–Barr viral infection. Her liver function tests were deranged and serum protein electrophoresis showed two sharp discrete monoclonal immunoglobulin bands. The eruption resolved completely 15 days after onset. Her serum protein studies and liver function tests subsequently normalized and she had no recurrences of her cutaneous eruption. It was concluded that the patient had Gianotti–Crosti syndrome associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.