[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.