Pediatric trichodysplasia spinulosa: A report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Nov;37(6):1023-1029. doi: 10.1111/pde.14323. Epub 2020 Aug 12.

Abstract

Trichodysplasia spinulosa is a rare disorder caused by the ubiquitous trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) and characterized clinically by predominately centrofacial, but often generalized, folliculocentric papules with protuberant keratinaceous spines. Although seroprevalence reaches up to 70% in adult populations, TSPyV causes clinical manifestations in a small percentage of patients who are immunosuppressed. Diagnosis can be made using typical clinical and histologic features, SV40T antibody immunostaining, and PCR of various tissues including the keratinaceous spine, skin, serum, urine, and CSF. Various topical and systemic medications have demonstrated variable success. Decreasing or discontinuing immunosuppression has also been shown to improve or alleviate clinical manifestations.

Keywords: pediatric; polyomavirus; transplant; trichodysplasia spinulosa.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Hair Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Polyomavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Polyomavirus*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies