Kelli Vogt - Department of Dermatology
“Blueberry Muffin Rash” is categorized by the presence of a rash with flat or raised bumps that have a blue-red tint and cohesive consistency. While “Blueberry Muffin Baby” was commonly used to describe newborns with these visible lesions during the 1960s Rubella epidemic, it is now a rare and non-specific description of various conditions in newborns. “Blueberry Muffin Rash” can be visible in conditions such as dermal extramedullary hematopoiesis, toxoplasmosis (an infection from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii which can be found in contaminated food or cat feces), herpes virus, and some vascular abnormalities visible on the skin.
The purpose of physicians learning about this particular skin presentation is centered around the fact that the presence of these lesions can indicate a serious or deadly issue involving the newborn. For example, the article stated a case where a newborn presented with a “blueberry muffin” appearance of dense and firm blue nodules and purple cysts sporadically across the face. The appearance of the newborn perplexed physicians, until after a series of diagnostic tests, they were able to settle on a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Even though “Blueberry Muffin syndrome” is not deemed a specific condition, this physical presentation on newborns can lead to significant discoveries, advancing the diagnosis of the condition and necessary treatment plans.
Reference:
Kaleta, K., Kłosowicz, A., Juśko, N., & Kapiñska-Mrowiecka, M. (2022). Blueberry muffin baby syndrome. A critical primary sign of systemic disease. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii, 39(2), 418–420. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2022.115895
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