Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
How to spot cocaine-induced pseudovasculitis
Justyn Lutfy1, Marie E Noland, Mario Jarmuske
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. jlutfy@toh.on.ca
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Cocaine-induced pseudovasculitis (CIP) is an increasing cause of skin damage. Early recognition and differentiating it from autoimmune vasculitis are crucial for proper patient management and avoiding fatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cocaine-induced pseudovasculitis (CIP) is an emerging condition characterized by severe cutaneous destruction.
- Plastic surgeons play a vital role in the multidisciplinary treatment of CIP.
- Distinguishing CIP from autoimmune vasculitis is diagnostically challenging and critical for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A clinical case involving 30% total body surface area skin necrosis due to CIP is presented.
- CIP typically manifests with localized skin or mucosal disease.
- Diagnostic clues include a history of cocaine use and specific antibody testing.
Findings:
- Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and target antibody patterns in CIP may differ from those in true vasculitis.
- Testing for antihuman neutrophil elastase and levamisole can aid in diagnosing CIP.
- CIP diagnosis requires careful consideration of clinical presentation and laboratory findings.
Implications:
- Misdiagnosis of CIP can lead to inappropriate treatments with potentially fatal consequences.
- Treatment for CIP is primarily supportive, focusing on wound care.
- Wound management for CIP shares similarities with the care of burns and meningococcemia patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...