All that Blisters is not Herpes

Pavitra Viswanathan; Sahana Devadas

doi:https://10.7199/ped.oncall.2016.15

IMAGES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

All that Blisters is not Herpes

Pavitra Viswanathan, Sahana Devadas.

Department of Pediatrics, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, India.

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE
Dr Pavitra Viswanathan, S1, Pinewood Golflinks, S.R.layout, Murugeshpalya, Bangalore-560001, India.
Email: drpavitraviswanathan@gmail.com

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A 5 days old female child, first born out of non-consanguineous marriage presented with blisters in the dorsum of the foot since birth which was surrounded by red skin (Figure 1). Antenatal period was uneventful and the baby was born by vaginal delivery and had a birth weight of 2.5kg. The blisters broke down by day 7 of life and became rough textured which later changed to dark lines in the same areas which was occupied by earlier lesions (Figure 2). There was no peeling of skin or fever, refusal of feeds, lethargy or other complaints. Initial impression of the baby at presentation was that of a vesiculobullous disorder-probably herpetic blisters. There was no maternal history to support this diagnosis and Tzanck smear was negative for giant cells. Sepsis workup was normal with cultures being negative. Skin biopsy showed a picture of spongiotic dermatosis. In ophthalmic evaluation the right eye showed retinal hemorrhages and in left eye retinal hemorrhage, infarct and dilated shunt vessels were found. Cranial ultrasound was normal.

Figure 1: Day 5- Blistering lesions

Figure 2: Day 7- Verrucous lesions

What is the diagnosis?

Incontinentia pigmenti {IP}. It is a rare, X- dominantly inherited neurocutaneous syndrome with birth prevalence of approximately 1 in 143,000. The female to male ratio is 20:1. Bardach originally described the condition in twin sisters in 1925. Incontinentia pigmenti is due to a mutation in the NF- kappa B essential modulator {NEMO}, inhibitor kappa kinase {IKK}-gamma gene. {1} The disorder primarily affects the tissues and organs derived from ectoderm or neuroectoderm and represents a type of ectodermal dysplasia. {2} The skin lesions usually present in four stages: I-vesiculobullous lesions on the limbs, scalp and frequently on trunk, II-verrucous streaks , III-reticulated hyperpigmentation, IV- Linear hypopigmented band lacking hair and sweating. {3,4} It is imperative to consider IP in the differential diagnosis of vesicular lesions in newborn since the prognosis and outcome is significantly different from that of the common disorders with vesiculobullous skin manifestations. Retinal changes are: peripheral avascular zone, tortuous and irregular vessels, aneurysmal-like dilatation and neovascular changes. Non-retinal associations include microphthalmos, ptosis, strabismus, cataracts, conjunctival and iris changes of pigmentation. {3} IP patients can show various central nervous system manifestations {ulegyria, acute destructive encephalopathy, hemorrhagic necrosis, brain edema, and encephalitis with hemorrhagic necrosis}. {2,3} Skeletal abnormalities include spina bifida, hemivertebrae, accessory ribs, and syndactyly. {3} Delayed dentition, pegged teeth, and abnormal crown formation are also seen. {5} Treatment remains symptomatic and supportive. Recent reports indicate some success in treating early skin lesions with corticosteroids and topical tacrolimus. Spastic disorders, pyramidal disease, club foot, scoliosis, and other features need specific treatment for each alteration, such as physiotherapy, specific surgery for scoliosis or other orthopedic problems and antiepileptic drugs substances for epilepsy. {4}

Contributor Statement: Both authors were involved in the management of the case, literature survey and drafting of the document.

Financial Disclosure: None
Conflict of interest: None


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Funding: None
Conflict of Interest: None

References

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