Cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis: a clinical and aetiological study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Cutaneous vasculitis can manifest as an early indicator of diverse systemic disorders.
• Leukocytoclastic vasculitis affecting the skin presents a diagnostic challenge.
• Understanding the etiology and clinical spectrum is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying causes and clinical findings in patients with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
• To evaluate the applicability of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for specific vasculitis subtypes.
• To identify associations with connective tissue diseases, malignancy, and infections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 69 consecutive patients diagnosed with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
• Recording of etiological factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory results.
• Classification of patients based on ACR criteria for Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and hypersensitivity vasculitis (HSV).

Main Results:

• Nineteen patients (27.5%) had an underlying connective tissue disease or malignancy.
• Twenty-four patients (34.8%) showed evidence of recent streptococcal infection.
• ACR criteria identified 35 patients with HSP and 42 with HSV; 33 met criteria for both.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis is frequently associated with systemic conditions, including infections and autoimmune diseases.
• The ACR classification criteria are useful in categorizing patients with HSP and HSV, though overlap exists.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay of factors contributing to cutaneous vasculitis.