Livedo vasculitis: vasculitis or thrombotic vasculopathy?

Dermatologic manifestations of hematologic disorders

Distinguishing key morphologic features and understanding the pathophysiology of common cutaneous manifestations of hematologic disorders is essential to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment. In fact, classic cutaneous signs may provide the first clue to the diagnosis of an underlying hematologic disease. Disorders of coagulation, vascular abnormalities, or cutaneous infiltration and deposition are responsible for the underlying pathophysiology of cutaneous manifestations in the majority of cases. Hematologists often feel ill-equipped in identifying morphologic changes in the skin. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of classic cutaneous manifestations and diagnostic considerations of the associated hematologic conditions. Though there is a specific focus on non-malignant disorders, those straddling the spectrum of malignancy are also discussed. In many disease states, the skin may serve as an important marker of an emerging hematologic disorder, so close collaboration and multidisciplinary input remain essential to provide optimal and timely care for these patients.

Healing refractory livedoid vasculopathy-related skin ulcers by ozone therapy: a case-based review

Chronic skin wounds represent a prominent etiological factor in the occurrence of non-traumatic foot amputations on a global scale and pose a substantial threat to the patient's well-being and mortality in the absence of effective treatment strategies. There exists a subset of patients that exhibit an insufficient response to different treatment options, comprising antibiotics, dressings, gauze bandages, debridement, rehabilitation, collagen patch, and vacuum-assisted closure. In this patient group, distinct treatment strategies emerge before surgery and amputation. Ozone therapy is one of them. Ozone exhibits a wide variety of effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and trophic. Its trophic effect is mediated by disinfection, stimulation of granulation tissue, acceleration of the angiogenesis process, and detoxification mechanisms. In this article, we presented the beneficial effect of ozone therapy in a case of chronic skin ulcer associated with livedoid vasculopathy. In this context, we aimed to discuss the role of ozone therapy in the management of chronic skin ulcers. Finally, we focused on ozone therapy as a promising method in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Characteristics of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Livedoid Vasculopathy

ABSTRACT

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is an ulcerative disorder of the lower extremities characterized by dermal vessel thrombosis with unclear cause. Recent reports of LV-associated upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and epineurial thrombosis suggest a systemic etiology for the condition. We sought to outline the characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in patients with LV. Cases of LV with concurrent peripheral neuropathy and reviewable electrodiagnostic testing reports were identified by electronic medical record database query and examined in detail. Of 53 patients with LV, 33 (62%) had peripheral neuropathy, 11 had reviewable electrodiagnostic reports, and 6 had no clear alternative explanation for neuropathy. Distal symmetric polyneuropathy was the most commonly observed pattern of neuropathy (n = 3) followed by mononeuropathy multiplex (n = 2). Most patients experienced symptoms in both upper and lower extremities (n = 4). Peripheral neuropathy is common in patients with LV. Whether this association is reflective of a systemic, prothrombotic etiology remains to be determined.

Livedoid vasculopathy: A review with focus on terminology and pathogenesis

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare thrombotic vasculopathy of the dermis characterized by painful, relapsing ulcers over the lower extremities. Diagnosis is challenging due to the overlap in clinical appearance and nomenclature with other skin disorders. Treatment selection is complicated by poor understanding of the pathogenesis of LV and lack of robust clinical trials evaluating therapy efficacy. The terminology and pathophysiology of LV are reviewed here, along with its epidemiology, clinical and histologic features, and treatment options. A diagnostic pathway is suggested to guide providers in evaluating for comorbidities, referring to appropriate specialists, and choosing from the available classes of therapy.

Livedoid vasculopathy - A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Livedoid vasculopathy is a rare, chronic-recurrent occlusive disorder in the microcirculation of dermal vessels. The clinical appearance is characterized by Livedo racemosa, painful ulceration, located in the distal parts of the lower extremities, followed by healing as porcelain-white, atrophic scars, the so-called Atrophie blanche. Different conditions that can promote a hypercoagulable state, such as inherited and acquired thrombophilias, autoimmune connective-tissue diseases and neoplasms, can be associated with livedoid vasculopathy. Therefore, livedoid vasculopathy is currently considered to be a coagulation disorder, clearly distinguished from inflammatory vasculitis. Although there are hints to hypercoaguability and secondary inflammation, pathophysiology is not completely understood. Diagnosis is made by synopsis of history, clinical and histopathological findings. Early and adequate therapy is essential to maintain life quality and avoid irreversible complications. Better understanding of molecular mechanisms is required to establish appropriate therapy regimens. This article presents the current state of knowledge about livedoid vasculopathy and proposes an algorithmic approach for diagnosis and therapy.

Livedoid vasculopathy: A multidisciplinary clinical approach to diagnosis and management

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare, chronic, and occlusive disease of the veins supplying the upper parts of the skin. The pathogenesis of the disease is not precisely understood, and its attacks are often unpredictable but tend to worsen during the summer. LV affects women more often. This increased risk for LV in women might be related to sex-specific physiological conditions, such as pregnancy, or a higher incidence of LV-associated conditions, such as connective tissue diseases, hypercoagulable states, and venous stasis in women. The typical clinical appearance of LV consists of three main findings: livedo racemose, atrophie blanche, and skin ulcers. The purpose of this comprehensive review was to analyze LV in all aspects and mainly focus on early diagnosis for successful clinical management with a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. A detailed history, dermatological examination, and laboratory testing are essential for a diagnosis of LV. When LV is clinically suspected, a skin biopsy should be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Another critical step is to investigate the underlying associated conditions, such as connective tissue diseases, hypercoagulable states, thrombophilia, and malignancy. Unfortunately, no associated conditions can be detected in approximately 20% of all cases (idiopathic LV) despite all efforts. The diagnosis of the disease is delayed in most patients. Thus, irreversible, permanent scars appear. Early and appropriate treatment reduces pain and prevents the development of scars and other complications. Antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants can be preferred as the first-line treatments along with general supportive measures. Other therapeutic options might be considered in unresponsive cases. Preference for refractory cases is based on availability, clinical experience, and patient-related factors (comorbidities, age, sex, and compliance). These include anabolic steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, psoralen-ultraviolet A, vasodilators, fibrinolytics, immunomodulators, and immunosuppressives.

Direct immunofluorescence findings in livedoid vasculopathy: a 10-year study and literature review

BACKGROUND

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings in patients with livedoid vasculopathy (LV) may have benefits for disease differentiation when clinical presentations and/or histopathological findings are inconclusive.

AIM

To investigate DIF findings in patients with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of LV.

METHODS

DIF findings of 62 patients with LV were analysed, and the published literature in the PubMed database was also reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS

This study demonstrated deposition of immunoreactants in blood vessels (BVs) in 59 of the 62 patients (95.2%), and almost all cases were positive for a combination of multiple immunoreactants. Complement C3 and IgM formed the most common combination. The most common pattern was deposition in BVs and at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) (59.3%), followed by deposition in BVs alone (40.7%). Immunoreactant deposition in BVs involved superficial BVs with or without deep BVs. The median age of patients with positive DIF findings was significantly higher than that of patients with negative DIF findings for LV (P < 0.03). More recent lesions (present for < 6 months) had a significantly higher percentage of positive results than older lesions (present for ≥ 6 months) (85.2% vs. 14.8%, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In both the present study and in the published literature, DIF study in patients with LV showed positive immunoreactants ranging from 42.9% to 100%. C3 and IgM were the most common immunoreactants deposited in BVs, while the most common pattern was immunoreactant deposition in BVs and at the DEJ. Older patients and those with more recent lesions (< 6 months) had a significantly higher percentage of positive DIF results for LV than did younger patients and those with older lesions (≥ 6 months).

Aspirin in dermatology: Revisited

Aspirin has been one of the oldest drugs in the field of medicine, with a wide range of applications. In dermatology, aspirin has shown benefit in a variety of disorders. Recently, reduction of melanoma risk with aspirin has been demonstrated. Although an analgesic to begin with, aspirin has come a long way; after cardiology, it is now found to be useful even in dermatology.

Reticulate dermatoses

The term "reticulate" is used for clinical description of skin lesions that are configured in a net-like pattern. Many primary and secondary dermatoses present in such patterns involving specific body sites. Certain cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases or genodermatoses also present in such manner. This review classifies and describes such conditions with reticulate lesions and briefly, their associated features.

Acute central retinal artery occlusion associated with livedoid vasculopathy: a variant of Sneddon's syndrome

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is characterized by a long history of ulceration of the feet and legs and histopathology indicating a thrombotic process. We report a case of acute central retinal artery occlusion in a 32-year-old woman who had LV. She showed no discernible laboratory abnormalities such as antiphospholipid antibodies and no history of cerebrovascular accidents. Attempted intra-arterial thrombolysis showed no effect in restoring retinal arterial perfusion or vision. The central retinal artery occlusion accompanied by LV in this case could be regarded as a variant form of Sneddon's syndrome, which is characterized by livedo reticularis and cerebrovascular accidents.

Livedoid vasculopathy: an intringuing cutaneous disease

Livedoid vasculopathy is a skin disease that occludes the blood vessels of the dermis. It has a pauciinflammatory or non-inflammatory nature. It is characterized by the presence of macular or papular, erythematous-purpuric lesions affecting the legs, especially the ankles and feet, and producing intensely painful ulcerations, which cause white atrophic scars called "atrophie blanche". This review includes studies and case reports found in the medical literature regarding the etiopathogenic associations of the disease, particularly those related to thrombophilia, their histopathological findings and the therapeutic approaches used in the difficult clinical management of these cases.

Cutaneous manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with many clinical manifestations. The skin is one of the target organs most variably affected by the disease. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) established 11 criteria as a classificatory instrument to operationalise the definition of SLE in clinical trials. They were not intended to be used to diagnose individuals and do not do well in that capacity. Cutaneous lesions account for four of these 11 revised criteria of SLE. Skin lesions in patients with lupus may be specific or nonspecific. This paper covers the SLE-specific cutaneous changes: malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, and oral mucosal lesions as well as SLE nonspecific skin manifestations, their pathophysiology, and management. A deeper thorough understanding of the cutaneous manifestations of SLE is essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and efficient management. Thus, dermatologists should cooperate with other specialties to provide optimal care of SLE patient.

Cutaneous manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with many clinical manifestations. The skin is one of the target organs most variably affected by the disease. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) established 11 criteria as a classificatory instrument to operationalise the definition of SLE in clinical trials. They were not intended to be used to diagnose individuals and do not do well in that capacity. Cutaneous lesions account for four of these 11 revised criteria of SLE. Skin lesions in patients with lupus may be specific or nonspecific. This paper covers the SLE-specific cutaneous changes: malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, and oral mucosal lesions as well as SLE nonspecific skin manifestations, their pathophysiology, and management. A deeper thorough understanding of the cutaneous manifestations of SLE is essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and efficient management. Thus, dermatologists should cooperate with other specialties to provide optimal care of SLE patient.

Livedoid vasculopathy: fast involution after anticoagulant and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The livedoid vasculopathy is a rare condition characterized by the presence of recurrent painful ulcers in distal extremities of lower limbs. Histologically there is thickness of dermal vessels, occlusion of its light by fibrin thrombi associated with minimal inflammatory infiltrate. It might occur as an isolated condition or be associated with an underlying systemic disease, including coagulation and collagen disorders, or neoplasms. Because it is a rare disease there is no consensus for its treatment. We report a case of a 41-year-old man with painful ulcers in the lower extremities. We did not find any associated diseases. The lesions improved dramatically after treatment with anticoagulant and hyperbaric therapy. We concluded that anticoagulation associated with hyperbaric oxygenation may be benefit for the treatment of patients with livedoid vasculopathy. However, further studies should be done with a larger population to confirm our results.

Análise da freqüência de trombofilia em pacientes com atrofia branca de Milian

FUNDAMENTOS - Atrofia branca de Milian ou vasculopatia livedóide é entidade clinicopatológica rara, cuja patogênese não é completamente compreendida. OBJETIVOS - Avaliar casos de atrofia branca de Milian para verificar a prevalência de diversas trombofilias. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS - Quatorze pacientes foram submetidos a exames laboratoriais incluindo pesquisa de fator V (Leiden), protrombina mutante, dosagem de antitrombina, proteína S e C, pesquisa de anticorpos anticardiolipina e anticoagulante lúpico, dosagem de homocisteína e pesquisa da mutação da metilenotetraidrofolatoredutase. RESULTADOS - Dos nove doentes cujos critérios de inclusão foram preenchidos para análise da freqüência de trombofilia, foram encontrados quatro com fatores relacionados à trombofilia: deficiência da antitrombina (um caso), deficiência da proteína S (um caso), mutação da metilenotetraidrofolatoredutase com hiperhomocisteinemia (um caso) e presença de anticorpo anticardiolipina (um caso). CONCLUSÃO - Apesar de este estudo não apresentar casuística que possibilite a comparação com a população geral, os dados sugerem a presença de eventos geradores de trombofilia nesses doentes, contribuindo para adoção sistemática de um protocolo de investigação de trombofilia nos doentes portadores de vasculopatia livedóide no Brasil.

Cutaneous Pseudovasculitis

Cutaneous pseudovasculitis represents a heterogeneous collection of disorders that are capable of simulating cutaneous vasculitis and can be broadly classified into diseases that produce hemorrhage (petechiae, purpura, and ecchymoses) or vessel occlusion with resultant livedo, cyanosis, ulcers, digital necrosis, and/or gangrene. Overlap is not uncommon, but if present, one mechanism dominates. Hemorrhagic pseudovasculitis is due to vessel wall dysfunction (incompetence), which can be related to diverse factors that include vessel wall deposition of metabolic substances (amyloid, calcium), nutritional deficiencies (scurvy), nonvasculitic inflammatory purpura (pigmented purpuric dermatitis, arthropod, viral and drug reactions), degeneration of the vessel wall and supporting stroma (senile/solar purpura), direct vessel wall invasion of infective organisms, coagulation-fibrinolytic disorders (eg, thrombocytopenia), and vessel wall trauma. Cyanotic-infarctive pseudovasculitis is due vaso-occlusion by emboli, thrombi, or fibrointimal hyperplasia (endarteritis obliterans) and includes varied conditions such as purpura fulminans, Coumadin necrosis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, cardiac myxoma, cholesterol embolization, calciphylaxis, and radiation arteritis. Delayed and inappropriate diagnosis of pseudovasculitis leads to incorrect management and exposure to potentially deleterious treatment modalities such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents. The diagnosis of a pseudovasculitic disorder requires a high index of suspicion and should always be part of the differential diagnosis of vasculitis. Skin biopsy is a crucial step in differentiating pseudovasculitis from authentic vasculitis; absence of histologic evidence of vasculitis, particularly after multiple biopsies, should direct evaluation and diagnosis towards pseudovasculitis.

The spectrum of differential diagnosis in neurological patients with livedo reticularis and livedo racemosa. A literature review

Livedo is a cutaneous sign of striking violaceous netlike patterned erythema of the skin. This dermatological phenomenon is of special interest in the differential diagnosis in neurological patients. In 1907 Ehrmann distinguished two different patterns of livedo: the pathological livedo racemosa and the physiological livedo reticularis. Despite important clinical differences, in the English language literature the heading livedo reticularis is still used for all types of livedo. A literature review about the spectrum of differential diagnosis in patients with livedo reticularis (especially cutis marmorata and amantadine-induced livedo reticularis) and livedo racemosa (especially Sneddon's syndrome, Divry-van Bogaert syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, polyarteritis nodosa, cholesterol embolization syndrome, livedoid vasculopathy and haematological diseases) is provided.

Mononeuropathy multiplex in association with livedoid vasculitis

Livedoid vasculitis is a chronic dermatological disorder associated with petechiae and recurrent, unusually shaped ulcers that heal to form hyperpigmentated areas and atrophie blanche. This condition is more correctly termed a vasculopathy, rather than a vascultis, and is often associated with an underlying hypercoagulable disorder. We report a patient with livedoid vasculitis and mononeuropathy multiplex. We propose that peripheral nervous system involvement arises from multifocal areas of ischemia due to fibrin and thrombin deposition within both the wall and lumen of vasa nervorum.

Cutaneous findings associated with chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis (CNKL) is a recently described rare proliferative disorder. We noted an association of cutaneous disorders with CNKL in our clinical experience.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all known patients with CNKL at our institution.

RESULTS

Five of 14 patients (36%) with CNKL had associated chronic cutaneous disease: two had livedoid vasculopathy; one, urticarial vasculitis; one, peripheral T-cell lymphoma; and one had complex recurrent aphthous stomatitis. In each case, except the one with lymphoma, the cutaneous disease was present before CNKL was diagnosed and CNKL persisted for the duration of the cutaneous disease. All five patients had increased numbers of large granular lymphocytes on a peripheral blood smear and three or four in the bone marrow (one patient did not undergo bone marrow biopsy).

CONCLUSIONS

Although CNKL and the reported skin diseases have occurred in the same patients, a causal link cannot yet be established. With CNKL, dermatologists must recognize associated cutaneous diseases, monitor patients for systemic disorders and cytopenias, and appropriately refer patients to a hematologist.

Livedo (livedoid) vasculitis and the factor V Leiden mutation: additional evidence for abnormal coagulation

We report the case of a patient with livedo vasculitis associated with the factor V Leiden mutation. This association provides additional support for abnormalities of coagulation in patients with this disorder. The spectrum of platelet, coagulation, and fibrinolytic disorders reported with livedo vasculitis is reviewed.

Livedoid vasculitis responding to PUVA therapy

BACKGROUND

Livedoid vasculitis is a chronic disorder manifested as recurrent, painful, reticulated, and ulcerative lesions of the legs, which result in ivory atrophic scars with peripheral telangiectasia and hyperpigmentation. Its etiology remains obscure and therapy is difficult. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) therapy and its side-effects in the treatment of livedoid vasculitis.

METHODS

Eight South Korean patients with livedoid vasculitis were treated with UVA and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP). Systemic PUVA was started with 4 J/cm2 of UVA two or three times a week, and then the dose was increased by 0.5 or 1 J/cm2 increments at each subsequent treatment as tolerated. The effects of treatment were evaluated using photographs of before, during, and after the study.

RESULTS

All patients experienced rapid cessation of new lesion formation, significant symptom relief, and complete healing of primary lesions. The mean times for each of the above were 3.6, 5.9, and 10 weeks, and the mean cumulative doses of UVA for each of the above were 55.9, 96.8, and 197.9 J/cm2, respectively. The patients tolerated PUVA therapy well without unacceptable side-effects.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that systemic PUVA using 8-MOP should be investigated further as an alternative treatment for patients with livedoid vasculitis.

Defining lymphocytic vasculitis

Vasculitis can be defined as vascular inflammation which is usually immune mediated, leading to structural and functional damage to the vessel wall. Our concept of vasculitis has been built around the events surrounding immune-complex-triggered leukocytoclastic vasculitis, while the role of lymphocyte mediated vasculitis remains largely undefined. This may be due to maintaining a stereotypic image of lymphocytic vasculitis as one associated with vascular necrosis, fibrin deposition and haemorrhage and merely substituting lymphocytes for neutrophils. Our understanding of lymphocytic vasculitis may be advanced by identifying the clinical settings in which such reactions may occur, such as autoimmune skin diseases sharing features with graft vs host disease, as well as recognizing that lymphocyte mediated inflammation may lead to a morphologically distinct group of vasculitides, apart from those associated with angiodestruction. Lymphocytic endovasculitis, lymphocytic lichenoid vasculitis and granulomatous vasculitis are potential examples of lymphocytic vasculitis that differ from the histological pattern seen in association with immune complex leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Ultimately, the proof that these vasculitides are examples of lymphocytic vasculitis will rest on new techniques emerging in molecular pathology that have the capacity of analysing the immunological events beyond the current limitations posed by routine histopathology.

Livedo reticularis and livedoid vasculitis responding to PUVA therapy

Livedo reticularis is a mottled blue discoloration of the skin, which occurs in a netlike pattern. Livedoid vasculitis is a chronic disorder clinically manifested by recurrent painful ulcerations of the lower extremities and is characterized by the presence of smooth or depressed ivory-white lesions surrounded by hyperpigmentation and telangiectasia. We describe two patients with livedo reticularis and livedoid vasculitis who responded to PUVA therapy and propose that systemic PUVA with methoxsalen undergo further investigation as an alternative therapy for drug-resistant patients with livedo reticularis and livedoid vasculitis.

Livedoid vasculitis: a manifestation of the antiphospholipid syndrome?

Livedoid vasculitis, otherwise known as segmental hyalinizing vasculitis or livedo reticularis with summer ulceration, is a chronic disease with lesions affecting the feet and lower legs. Early lesions show petechiae, but characteristic features are recurrent, bizarrely shaped ulcers that heal to leave hyperpigmentation and atrophie blanche. The aetiology of the disorder is unknown, but the histology shows fibrin deposition within both the wall and lumen of affected vessels. The absence of a sufficient perivascular infiltrate or leucocytoclasia argues against a vasculitis, being more in keeping with a thrombo-occlusive process. Four patients with livedoid vasculitis with ulceration are described, all of whom had associated raised anticardiolipin antibodies but no other evidence of systemic disease. We suggest that livedoid vasculitis may be a manifestation of the antiphospholipid syndrome and recommend that all patients are screened for this. We also discuss treatment options for this often resistant condition.

Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis

Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis (CSVV) refers to a group of disorders usually characterized by palpable purpura; it is caused by leukocytoclastic vasculitis of postcapillary venules. CSVV can be idiopathic or can be associated with a drug, infection, or underlying systemic disease. Initially, the pathogenesis of CSVV is immune complex related, but in its later stages different pathogenetic mechanisms may intensify the reaction and lymphocytes may predominate in the infiltrate. Cure requires elimination of the cause (ie, drugs, chemicals, infections, food allergens) when possible, as well as therapy with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, corticosteroids, dapsone, potassium iodide, fibrinolytic agents, aminocaproic acid, immunosuppressive agents (ie, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine) or even monoclonal antibodies, depending on disease severity.

Small vessel vasculitis and vasculitis confined to skin

Cutaneous vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of disorders, which can be confined to the skin or may be part of an associated systemic disease. Various aetiological agents as well as conditions that mimic skin vasculitis, usually present with similar clinical features; mainly palpable purpura. The skin biopsies usually show leukocytoclastic vasculitis. This poses a great diagnositc and therapeutic challenge for the physician. The aetiologies, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment modalities for each form (drugs, infections, malignancies, systemic vasculitides, connective tissue disorders. Schönlein-Henoch purpura, cryoglobulinaemia, cutaneous periarteritis nodosa, livedoid vasculitis, erythema elevatum diutinum and urticarial vasculitis) are reviewed.

Autoimmune aberration in sudden sensorineural hearing loss: association with anti-cardiolipin antibodies

In view of the presence of autoantibodies against inner ear antigens, the pathogenesis of sudden deafness (SD) and progressive sensorineural hearing loss (PSNHL) is suggested to be of an autoimmune nature. However, microthrombosis of the inner ear may result from pathogenic anti-cardiolipin antibody (aCL) activity. We studied 30 patients (17 females and 13 males, age range 20-52 y), of whom 11 suffered from SD and 19 from PSNHL. All were clinically and serologically evaluated for association with autoimmune disorders (serological examination included: aCL, ANA, ENA, ANCA, proteinelectrophoresis, and complement levels). Twenty healthy matched subjects served as controls. None of the control group were aCL positive, whereas 8 out of 30 (27%) patients demonstrated low-moderate titers (P < 0.02), of whom 5 out of 8 suffered from SD. In addition, 2 aCL negative patients with PSNHL demonstrated hypergammaglubolinemia accompanied by hypocomplementemia, whereas none with SD had such abnormalities. Our data suggests that aCL is detected in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and therefore may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disability. If sustained by additional studies, these findings would warrant the consideration of anticoagulant therapy.