Fatal paraneoplastic systemic leukocytoclastic vasculitis as a presenting feature of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The most common paraneoplastic vasculitis is leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV),(1) 75% of which are caused by hematological malignancies. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with a multitude of auto-immune paraneoplastic syndromes. Data on LCV in association with CLL is restricted to isolated case reports,(3,4) none of which had systemic LCV. We present a unique case of fatal paraneoplastic, systemic LCV as an initial presentation of CLL in an elderly male with multiple co-morbidities.

A 71-year-old man presented with a palpable, symmetric, purpuric rash on the lower extremities and an absolute lymphocytosis (white blood cell count 26.9; 23% lymphocytes). His co-morbidities included coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and new critical aortic stenosis. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood demonstrated an abnormal population of B-cells, positive for CD5, CD19, and CD23, consistent with CLL. The skin biopsy specimen revealed neutrophilic inflammation in vessel walls indicative of LCV. Acute renal failure (creatinine 2 mg/dL), urinary red cell casts, and hypocomplementemia were concerning for a systemic vasculitis. The antinuclear antibody, cryoglobulin titer, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, serum protein electrophoresis, viral serologies were negative. On hospital day 6, he developed acute hepatocellular injury and acute respiratory failure. Continuous veno-venous hemodialysis was begun for worsening acidemia and hyperkalemia. Two days later he became obtunded on hospital day 8 and had an elevated lactic acid level with generalized abdominal tenderness worrisome for bowel ischemia. The same day he needed intubation with cardiopulmonary resuscitation for a brief episode of asystole. Despite aggressive treatment with high-dose steroids and plasmapheresis, he suffered worsening renal failure and shock. His family sought withdrawal of care on hospital day 11. Autopsy revealed diffuse LCV of the stomach, distal ileum, integument and alveoli with petechial hemorrhages, fibrin thrombi, and gangrenous patchy necrosis.

Paraneoplastic LCV is a rare syndrome and seldom occurs in association with CLL. This is the first reported case of fatal systemic paraneoplastic LCV from B-cell CLL. Dermatologic involvement is universal with LCV, and may portend systemic disease. More data on its pathogenesis in CLL is warranted.