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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

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Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
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A 67-Year-Old Male with Diffuse Purpuric Vesicles and Bullae.
Zizi Yu1, Yun Xue2,3, Ruth Foreman4
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 22, 2020
Summary
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a small-vessel vasculitis. This rare case highlights bullous LCV presenting as facial vesicles, mimicking varicella-zoster infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a common small-vessel vasculitis affecting postcapillary venules.
- Typical LCV presents as purpuric lesions on the shins, often triggered by infections, medications, or systemic diseases.
Observation:
- Uncommon LCV presentations include bullae and ulcers.
- This case details bullous LCV with grouped vesicles on the face and body.
Findings:
- The bullous LCV mimicked varicella-zoster infection.
- Facial and widespread bullous lesions are atypical for LCV.
Implications:
- Recognizing atypical LCV presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for vesicular eruptions, particularly on the face.
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