Dermal erythropoiesis in neonatal infants. A manifestation of intra-uterine viral disease.

Abstract

Six cases of a unique transient dermatopathy occurring in neonatal infants and consisting of extramedullary dermal erythropoiesis are described. The process is transient. Three cases, on clinical, pathologic, and cultural grounds, were shown to be associated with viral infection due to cytomegalovirus. Two cases were presumed to be due to congenital rubella virus infection on clinicopathologic grounds. The sixth case was presumably associated with viral infection of unknown etiology. Embryologic and pathogenetic aspects of the cutaneous lesions are discussed.