Drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis with systemic involvement secondary to nitrofurantoin therapy

A 61-year-old male presented with a history of fever and burning micturition for 1 week; 3 days after being started on nitrofurantoin 100 mg twice a day by a local practitioner, he developed rash over the body along with scrotal swelling and pain. Following admission to the local government hospital where he developed acute anterolateral myocardial infarction (MI), he was referred to our hospital. At admission, physical examination revealed reticular purpuric plaques with occasional ulceration over both lower limbs, upper limbs and abdomen with extensive scrotal purpura with necrosis. His pulse rate was 110/minute, oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was 88% on ambient air and temperature was 101 °F. He was started on intravenous antibiotics and treatment for MI. Laboratory investigations revealed leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury and hepatic dysfunction. Scrotal ultrasound revealed epididymo-orchitis. The next day, the patient developed altered sensorium. Computed tomography of the brain showed an infarct in the right fronto-parietal region. Possibility of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) with systemic involvement as an adverse drug reaction to nitrofurantoin was considered; vasculitis-related blood work-up was inconclusive. Punch biopsy of the lesion showed LCV with subepidermal bulla formation. Patient was treated with intravenous corticosteroids (dexamethasone 8 mg thrice-daily), antibiotics and symptomatic management. He was discharged after 2 weeks on decreasing doses of corticosteroids.