Exercise-induced vasculitis associated with autoimmune disease

Exercised-induced vasculitis (EIV) is an underreported and frequently misdiagnosed condition that occurs on the lower extremities shortly after exercise. Most reported cases have presented in healthy-appearing individuals, but some cases have been linked to other disease processes. A case report is presented of recurring EIV in a 65-year-old woman with a history of dermatitis herpetiformis; chronic, mildly elevated liver transaminases of unknown cause; microscopic colitis; celiac disease; multiple miscarriages; and heart block who was found to have autoimmune hepatitis upon workup of her rash. Both EIV and autoimmune hepatitis were misdiagnosed over many years by several clinicians in various specialties. Her family history was remarkable for 2 sisters with systemic lupus erythematosus and similar recurring exercise-induced rashes of the lower extremities, suggesting a familial link for this condition. Clinicians should recognize EIV and consider the possibility that this disorder may be the presenting sign of subclinical connective-tissue diseases.