[Generalized acute pustulosis. An unusual presentation of leukocytoclastic vasculitis]

After an acute course of pharyngitis and bronchitis treated with Bactrim (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazol), a 52 year old woman suddenly developed a widespread, sterile pustular eruption with predilection of the distal parts of the extremities. The histological and electron microscopical examinations showed intraepidermal pustules with underlying distinct leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Direct immunofluorescence revealed the prescence of intra- and perivascular deposits of C3 in the upper part of the dermis. Drug- and/or infection allergy is suggested to be responsible for the etiopathogenetic mechanism of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.