Reversal of microvascular abnormalities in a successfully treated case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis

A patient with leukocytoclastic vasculitis was successfully treated by chemotherapy. While his symptoms and serologic abnormalities cleared, his abnormal interendothelial junctions decreased from 36% to 8% (p < 0.01), and the vessels showing deposits of electron-dense material decreased from 75% to 10% (p < 0.001). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that deposition of electron-dense material (probable immune complex) in the subendothelium of the dermal microcirculation is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of this form of nonthrombocytopenic purpura.