Livedoid vasculopathy associated with sickle cell trait: significant improvement on aspirin treatment

A comprehensive review on pathogenesis, associations, clinical findings, and treatment of livedoid vasculopathy

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a thrombo-occlusive vasculopathy that involves the dermal vessels. Clinically, it is characterized by the presence of painful purpuric ulcers on the lower extremities. Histopathologically, it shows intraluminal fibrin deposition and thrombosis, segmental hyalinization, and endothelial proliferation. It is important to notice that the term "atrophie blanche" is descriptive and it includes not only patients with LV but also patients with a combination of vasculitis and vasculopathy, that is, LV and medium-sized vasculitis such as cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (PANc). Diagnosis is based on a proper clinicopathological correlation, excluding the main differential diagnosis and considering vasculitis as a mimicker or concomitant diagnosis. Coagulation disorders must also be studied although they are not found in all LV. Its frequency is reviewed as well. Treatment of LV is challenging, and different therapies have been attempted. Among them, pain management, wound care, control of cardiovascular risk factors, and both antiplatelets and anticoagulants, mostly rivaroxaban, are the main therapies used. These different therapies as well as their degree of evidence are reviewed.

Cutaneous manifestations of sickle cell disease: an updated review

Sickle cell disease is a common and highly morbid genetic condition that is characterized by multi-system involvement, including numerous cutaneous manifestations. Persistent and recurrent leg ulceration has long been considered the dermatological hallmark of those with sickle cell disease, but there have been recent descriptions of associated infection with rare pathogens and episodes of liverdoid vasculopathy. Growing considerations for this population in the literature include cutaneous reactions to common treatments such as hydroxyurea and clinical management of the intersection between sickle cell disease and conditions like plaque psoriasis. Recent studies have also demonstrated an increased resistance to skin carcinogenesis for those with sickle cell disease through unclear mechanisms. However, though the body of knowledge regarding cutaneous manifestations and considerations of sickle cell disease is slowly expanding, it does not match the considerable disease and symptom burden faced by these patients. More research is needed to better delineate our understanding of these cutaneous manifestations of sickle cell disease to improve outcomes and further management.

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.

Atrophie blanche: is it associated with venous disease or livedoid vasculopathy?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this learning activity is to provide information about the etiology and treatment of atrophie blanche.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

OBJECTIVES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Discuss the pathophysiology of atrophie blanche.2. Explore treatment options for livedoid vasculopathy.

ABSTRACT

Atrophie blanche (AB) is a porcelain-white scar that may be seen at the base of a healed ulcer or in association with livedoid vasculopathy (LV). The term AB originally had been used synonymously with LV, whereas LV is a noninflammatory thrombotic condition presenting as either a primary or secondary event (often associated with coagulation).

Livedoid vasculopathy

Livedoid vasculopathy is a chronic and painful skin disease that progresses to ulceration. Due to its uncertain pathogenesis, there is no single effective treatment for this condition, and current therapeutic options are based on isolated case reports, or on case series. We report a case of a female patient with livedoid vasculopathy, which achieved excellent healing of lower limb ulcers after using an anti-TNF agent.