eISSN: 2299-0046
ISSN: 1642-395X
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii
Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Editorial board Reviewers Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank
2/2021
vol. 38
 
Share:
Share:
abstract:
Letter to the Editor

Life-threatening manifestation of cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Marta Runowska
1
,
Dominik Majewski
1
,
Mariusz Puszczewicz
1

  1. Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Adv Dermatol Allergol 2021; XXXVIII (2): 335-337
Online publish date: 2021/05/22
View full text Get citation
 
Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a form of small-vessel vasculitis with a predilection for skin involvement. In about half of the cases the condition has an idiopathic origin, whereas the remaining cases develop secondarily to various causes, such as infections, connective tissue diseases, malignancies, and drugs [1]. Although LCV is generally considered as self-limiting and has a good overall prognosis [2], several studies have described less favourable, chronic, and/or recurrent course of the disease [3, 4]. Hence, therapeutic options depend on the severity of disease, and range from antihistamines, topical and/or oral corticosteroids (CS), to immunosuppressive drugs [4, 5]. Herein, we report the case of a 46-year-old man with a history of multiple, deep skin ulcerations over the trunk and extremities, later confirmed as LCV. The patient had been treated with a combination of systemic CS and infusions of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) within the 29-month period of follow-up, which gradually lead to significant, although to date not complete, reduction of skin lesions, and remarkably improved the quality of the patient’s life.
A 46-year-old Caucasian male with no significant previous medical history was admitted to the Rheumatology Department in December 2016, presenting with extensive skin ulcerations of the trunk and the extremities in the course of newly diagnosed LCV. The first symptoms of the disease developed about 6 months earlier and included recurrent swelling of the right leg, accompanied by purpuric rash on the lower extremities and subsequent formation of non-healing skin ulcerations. The patient’s history of constitutional symptoms, preceding infection, and drug intake was negative. The laboratory results revealed raised inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – 52 mm/h, C-reactive protein (CRP) – 99.5 mg/l), thrombocytosis, anaemia of chronic diseases (normocytic anaemia with low serum iron level, decreased TIBC, increased concentration of serum ferritin, normal RDW, and normal reticulocyte count), and decreased serum albumin and proteinuria. The serological findings, including antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin and antib2GP1 antibodies), were negative. Physical examination revealed numerous, extensive skin ulcerations with focal necrosis over the trunk, and the upper and lower extremities, including the hands...


View full text...
Quick links
© 2024 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.