The Many Faces of Purpura: Vancomycin-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis caused by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a rare, small-vessel vasculitis that can be caused by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Most presentations involve skin rash but serious systemic involvement is possible. The precise mechanism is unclear but genetic and immune-based tissue damage has been postulated. The rash often resolves with discontinuation of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim with or without steroids.

Vancomycin-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Rare Complication From a Commonly Used Medication

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a cutaneous small vessel vasculitis that is characterized by the development of a non-blanching palpable purpura. Diagnosis is made by skin biopsy and histopathology which shows subepidermal acantholysis with dense neutrophilic infiltrate leading to fibrinoid necrosis of the dermal blood vessels. Etiology is generally idiopathic in most cases but secondary causes include chronic infections, malignancies, systemic autoimmune conditions, and medication use. Treatment involves supportive measures in the case of idiopathic LCV, and treatment of the offending condition or agent in LCV due to a secondary cause. A 59-year-old male presented with purulent ulcers on the plantar surface of the right foot. Radiograph of the right foot showed soft tissue swelling without evidence of osteomyelitis. Empiric antibiotic treatment with vancomycin was initiated. A wound culture was obtained from the purulent drainage which grew positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). On the fourth day of treatment with vancomycin, multiple symmetric, purpuric lesions arose on the patient's trunk and extremities. Skin biopsy with histopathology showed subepidermal acantholysis with neutrophil-predominant inflammatory infiltrate consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Vancomycin was discontinued and the patient's exanthem began to regress, with full resolution after 30 days post withdrawal of the antibiotic.

Aftermath of Apixaban: Atypical Anticoagulation Aftereffect

An elderly man with prostate cancer and a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity diagnosed 12 days ago on apixaban presented with a new-onset palpable rash on both of his legs. Extensive laboratory workup was largely unremarkable, except for multiple skin punch biopsies revealing deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the superficial blood vessels with infiltration of leukocytes, concerning for a small vessel vasculitis. Given the temporal association along with the negative workup, the rash was attributed to apixaban, and the anticoagulation regimen was switched to dabigatran. At a 2-week follow-up visit, the patient was asymptomatic and tolerating dabigatran without any adverse events.

Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis of the Foot and Ankle: A Case Report With Over Five-Year Follow-Up

The estimated incidence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis of any etiology is between 15 and 30 people per million per year. Despite being a rare pathologic entity, leukocytoclastic vasculitis has many documented etiologies. Here, we report on a case of a 47-year-old man with liver cirrhosis who was admitted to our institution for diffuse palpable purpura of the distal lower extremities. Workup was largely negative for infectious and systemic causes. The patient received multiple days of intravenous antibiotics and consultations with infectious disease, dermatology, and podiatry. Skin biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of idiopathic leukocytoclastic vasculitis. A steroid taper was prescribed, and the patient had clinical resolution and healing of skin lesions. After 5.5 years after the vasculitic episode, the patient remained free of cutaneous lower extremity lesions. Medication-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis and associations with systemic illness or malignancy were ruled out. In the lower extremities, misdiagnosis of cellulitis for noninfectious dermatologic conditions is common. Clinicians must have a wide differential and take a multidisciplinary approach to similar types of cases to reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage.