Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
[Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome]
R Sessler1, G Hasche, C J Olbricht
1Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Abteilung für Nieren- und Hochdruckkrankheiten, Katharinenhospital, Stuttgart.
History And Admission Findings:
A 40-year-old woman was admitted with recurrent membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. For many years she had been suffering from joint pains and attacks of angio-oedema of the upper and lower lip. Physical examination was unremarkable except for marked oedema and urticaria of the trunk and limbs.
Investigations:
Skin biopsy revealed urticaria with vasculitis. Complement fractions C3, C4 and C1q were reduced, and C1q antibodies were demonstrated.
Diagnosis, Treatment And Course:
The findings of urticaria with vasculitis and reduced complement levels as cardinal symptoms together with joint pains, glomerulonephritis and C1q antibodies as minor symptoms were diagnostic of hypocomplementaemic vasculitic urticaria syndrome. The urticaria disappeared immediately when immunosuppressive treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide was started, and the nephritic signs regressed.
Conclusion:
Differentiation of a vasculitic and a non-vasculitic form of chronic urticaria provides an initial step in delineating the underlying disease. Severe systemic disease such as collagen disease or vasculitis is not rare in vasculitic urticaria and requires long-term immunosuppression.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Complement System
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

