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Infant with a rapidly progressing rash
Rachelle Hancock1, Ilene Rothman2, Mary Kate Mannix2
1Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA rhancock@buffalo.edu.
BMJ Case Reports
|January 26, 2021
Summary
Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a benign condition presenting as a widespread rash and swelling in infants. Early recognition can prevent unnecessary tests and reduce anxiety for families and healthcare providers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Infants can present with sudden, widespread skin rashes and swelling, mimicking serious conditions.
- Differentiating benign conditions from critical illnesses is crucial in pediatric emergency care.
Observation:
- A previously healthy infant developed rapidly progressing erythematous macules and distal edema.
- The infant remained playful and stable, creating a diagnostic challenge.
- Initial presentation raised concerns for infectious etiologies like meningococcemia.
Findings:
- Extensive workup and consultations led to a diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI).
- AHEI is a benign, self-limiting leucocytoclastic vasculitis.
- The infant's rash resolved spontaneously within 7 days without treatment.
Implications:
- Recognizing AHEI can prevent extensive and unnecessary diagnostic workups in infants.
- Accurate diagnosis reduces anxiety for families and healthcare providers.
- Understanding AHEI's benign nature is key to appropriate pediatric case management.
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