Pustular Vasculitis of the Lower Limbs with Diarrhea and Arthritis: A Case Report

Pustular vasculitis is a rare skin disease with only a few reported cases worldwide, especially when the lesions occur on the lower limbs. This report presents a rare case of pustular vasculitis on both lower limbs, and good therapeutic effects were achieved after our treatment.

We report a case of an 86-year-old female who presented with annular erythema, purpura, and pustules on both lower limbs. Skin biopsies showed neutrophilic infiltration and leukocytoclastic vasculitis changes. She had a history of chronic diarrhea for the past 2 years. An X-ray of both hands revealed osteoarthritis of multiple interphalangeal joints. After treatment with systemic methylprednisolone, minocycline, and tripterygium glycosides for anti-inflammation, the lesions were significantly relieved.

We report this case because of its rarity and remind physicians to keep in mind the possibility of pustular vasculitis while dealing with lesions of extensive annular hemorrhagic spots with pustules, along with diarrhea and arthritis.