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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Cutaneous vasculitis
Samina Hayat1, Seth Mark Berney
1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA.
Abstract:
Vasculitis is defined as inflammation of blood vessels and can affect multiple organs. Several classification systems exist to categorize vasculitis such as vessel size, presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, pathogenesis of the inflammation, and type of inflammatory cell infiltrate. Cutaneous vasculitis occurs as a manifestation of many diseases including rheumatologic diseases, hypersensitivity syndromes, infections, and malignancies. The diagnosis of the cutaneous vasculitis and the underlying cause requires a complete history and physical exam and usually a biopsy or angiogram. The treatment depends on the etiology of the inflammation and includes immunosuppression, withdrawal of the offending agent, antibacterial/antiviral agents, and chemotherapies. A clear understanding and approach to this condition will improve the physician's ability to provide optimal patient care.
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