[Vasculitis complicating treatment with streptokinase: delayed allergic reaction]

The authors report a case of vascular purpura occurring eleven days after the injection of streptokinase for a myocardial infarction. This adverse event falls within a context of hypersensitivity vasculitis (type III). In this particular case, imputation to the thrombolytic agent was established by the official method for the imputation of adverse or toxic effects of drugs. Routine renal function studies were normal. The outcome was satisfactory following rest only but the existence of a mixed cryoglobulinemia, responsible secondarily for cold-related distal ischemic symptomatology of the lower limbs led to the successful prescription of a short course of corticosteroids.