ASYMMETRIC PERIFLEXURAL EXANTHEM OF CHILDHOOD: A NEW ENTITY FOR THE PAEDIATRICIAN

Key words: Viral exhantems, APEC

The paper describes a new entity, the Asymmetric Periflexural Exanthem of Childhood (APEC), first described in 1962 and recently recognized as a separate clinical entity by many Authors. It is characterized by scarlatiniform or papular rash which develops usually from a periflexural (axillary or inguinal) area to the thoracic area but with a clear monolateral preference. Respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms may accompany the eruption. Occasionally moderate pruritus and regional lymphoadenopathy are present. The course is self-limited. This entity is believed to be caused by a virus but no single agent has been identified as a causal agent sofar. The Authors observed 4 cases of APEC over a period of four months in 18 to 24-month old children. It is probable that APEC can be diagnosed more often if increased attention is payed by paediatricians.