Leucocytoclastic vasculitis following influenza vaccination

Influenza vaccinations are commonly administered and effectively prevent influenza. Most vaccine reactions are mild and self-limiting with few reported cases of vasculitis. We present a case of vasculitis post-vaccination unique for its dramatic visual presentation and rapid response to treatment with the aim to emphasise possible causation and timely treatment.

This is a case of a 60-year-old man with chronic idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with fever, arthralgias and rash characterised by extensive erythematous plaques on his limbs and trunk 5 days after influenza vaccination. Skin biopsy revealed leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Rash and symptoms resolved 10 days after initiating treatment with oral prednisone.

Influenza vaccines can potentially precipitate cutaneous vasculitis, and timely treatment reduces morbidity in the elderly.