[Transitory acantholytic dermatosis (Grover disease). An analysis of the clinical spectrum based on 21 histologically assessed cases].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In 1970 Ralph W. Grover described a clinicopathologic entity characterized by pruritic keratotic papules and papulovesicles predominantly on the trunk, disappearing spontaneously after a few weeks or months and demonstrating the histological features of epidermal acantholysis. The etiology remains unknown; sweating, heat and sunlight are suspected trigger factors. In our survey the clinical spectrum of the disease will be examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have analyzed 21 cases of Grover's disease histologically diagnosed in Berne in 1997 and 1998.

RESULTS

In most cases we observed isolated papules disseminated on the trunk. The predominant histological type was the Darier-type; presumably there is no correlation between histological type and clinical features. At the time of diagnosis the skin disorder had been present on average for 83 months. There was a strong association with sweating and heat. Topical steroids were successful in 50% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our 21 cases reflect in general the literature. Nevertheless, the long persistence of the skin lesions was striking perhaps making the term transient somewhat inaccurate.