Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis with cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report and literature review

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (CLV) is a small-vessel vasculitis localized to the skin. Many possible causes exist for this pathological condition, including drugs, infection, collagen vascular disease, and malignancy. However, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is rarely reported to be associated with CLV. Here, we report a 49-year-old male patient that presented with fever, myalgia, and multiple palpable purpura on both of his legs. The biopsy from the purpura yielded a histologic diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient had several enlarged lymph nodes on his right neck, and the biopsy revealed tuberculous lymphadenitis. There were no signs of vasculitis present in the internal organs. After anti-tuberculosis treatment, his fever declined and the skin purpura were completely resolved. Although incidence is rare, tuberculosis should be considered as a possible cause of CLV.