Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Papular-purpuric "gloves and socks" syndrome.
R Bilenchi1, M De Paola, S Poggiali
1Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. bilenchi@unisi.it
Summary
Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS) is an acute skin condition often caused by parvovirus B19. This case highlights PPGSS as an immune-mediated disease with varying severity based on host factors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS) is an acute dermatosis with a characteristic rash distribution.
- Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is the primary cause, though other viruses and drugs can be implicated.
Observation:
- A case of PPGSS in a 42-year-old teacher with confirmed B19V infection and bacterial pharyngitis is presented.
- Clinical presentation included fever, asthenia, lymphadenopathy, and a distinct rash.
- Histopathology revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis affecting small venules.
Findings:
- Serological tests confirmed acute parvovirus B19 infection (IgM positive).
- The rash resolved within two weeks, suggesting an acute, self-limiting process.
- The case supports PPGSS as an immunomediated disease.
Implications:
- Parvovirus B19 morbidity in PPGSS is influenced by the host's immune and hematologic status.
- Patients with PPGSS may be infectious, posing a risk to susceptible contacts.
- Understanding PPGSS pathogenesis is crucial for managing patient care and preventing transmission.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection