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An urticarial vasculitis case induced by glatiramer acetate
Demet Cicek1, Basak Kandi, Sevilay Oguz
1Department of Dermatology, Firat University Faculty of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey. dr.demetcicek@yahoo.com
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment
|January 23, 2009
Summary
Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a rare condition. This report details the first known case of UV triggered by glatiramer acetate, a medication used for multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Urticarial vasculitis (UV) presents with urticarial lesions and leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
- Drug-induced UV cases are documented for various medications.
- Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old female developed pruritus and rash after initiating GA therapy.
- Clinical and histopathological examinations confirmed UV.
- The onset of symptoms occurred three months post-GA initiation.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of UV induced by glatiramer acetate.
- The patient's symptoms were directly linked to GA treatment.
- Histopathology confirmed leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known spectrum of drug-induced urticarial vasculitis.
- Clinicians should consider UV in patients on glatiramer acetate experiencing similar symptoms.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanism of GA-induced UV.
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