Levetiracetam-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a small-vessel vasculitis often presenting as palpable purpura.
• It typically appears weeks after medication initiation and resolves upon drug withdrawal.
• Levetiracetam is a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug for various seizure types.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old female developed cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis.
• The vasculitis emerged within 8 days of starting levetiracetam.
• The patient presented with palpable purpuric lesions.

Findings:

• This case represents a previously unreported adverse reaction to levetiracetam.
• The vasculitis exhibited characteristics of drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
• Histopathological confirmation of leukocytoclastic vasculitis was established.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider levetiracetam as a potential cause of vasculitis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
• Early recognition and discontinuation of levetiracetam are crucial for managing this adverse reaction.
• This finding expands the known side effect profile of levetiracetam, highlighting the importance of pharmacovigilance.