BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) is a small vessel vasculitis affecting the skin primarily, but may be associated with larger systemic vasculitis or extra cutaneous involvement. The clinical hallmark is palpable purpura usually involving the lower extremities. Although CSVV can be induced by drugs, infections, connective tissue diseases, and malignancies, it can also be idiopathic. The aim of the present study was to analyze patients with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) to determine disease characteristics.

MATERIALS and METHODS

In this retrospective study, the records of 57 patients with LCV from 2013 to 2017 managed at the Department of Dermatology were reviewed. A detailed evaluation of the data was done to determine demographic characteristics, etiological factors, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment options.

RESULTS

The study included 39 female and 18 male patients. The median age of the patients was 55 years. The majority of patients (46, 80.7%) were classified as CSVV. Almost half of the cases (25, 43.9%) were idiopathic, but the most common cause was simultaneous infection and drug usage (12, 21%). The most common cutaneous manifestation was palpable purpura (21, 36.8%) involving the lower extremities (40, 70.2%). The most common extra cutaneous manifestation was joint involvement presenting as arthritis and/or arthralgia (15, 26.3%). The most frequent laboratory abnormality was an elevated C-reactive protein (40, 70.2%).

CONCLUSION

In clinical practice, it is important to keep in mind that although LCV is usually confined to the blood vessels of the skin, a detailed evaluation of the patients is required to detect the underlying causes and systemic involvement.

Keywords: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis, small vessel vasculitis, vasculitis