Urticarial vasculitis

Urticarial Vasculitis

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent edematous papules and plaques on the skin that last longer than 24 hours, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as joint pain and fever. Unlike common urticaria, this condition involves inflammation of small blood vessels, leading to more severe and long-lasting skin lesions with a tendency to leave a bruiselike appearance. Diagnosis is challenging and may require a skin biopsy. Associated with underlying autoimmune diseases, treatment involves managing symptoms with medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, addressing the immune system's dysfunction, and treating any concurrent autoimmune conditions.

Non-Skin Related Symptoms Are Common in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Linked to Active and Uncontrolled Disease: Results From the Chronic Urticaria Registry

BACKGROUND

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can present with non-skin related symptoms (NSRS), including recurrent unexplained fever, joint, bone, or muscle pain (JBMP), and malaise, which also occur in other conditions that manifest with wheals (eg, urticarial vasculitis or autoinflammatory disorders) or without wheals (eg, infection).

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the rate of patients with CSU affected by fever, JBMP, and malaise, their trigger factors, links with clinical and laboratory characteristics, and their impact on everyday life and treatment responses.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline data from the Chronic Urticaria Registry of 2,521 patients with CSU who were aged 16 years or older.

RESULTS

One third of CSU patients (31.2%; 786 of 2,521) had one or more NSRS, including recurrent fever (5.3%), JBMP (19.1%), and/or malaise (18.6%). In a multivariable analysis, having one or more of these NSRS correlated with food and infection as trigger factors of urticaria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7 and 1.5), wheals of 24 hours or greater duration (aOR = 2.5), sleep disturbance (aOR = 2.4), anxiety (aOR = 2.8), comorbid atopic dermatitis (aOR = 2.1), gastrointestinal disease (aOR = 1.8), elevated leukocytes (aOR = 1.7) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (aOR = 1.5). In a bivariate analysis, these NSRS were additionally associated with higher disease activity (weekly Urticaria Activity Score, median: 21 vs 14; P = .009), longer disease duration (years, median: 2 vs 1; P = .001), the presence of angioedema (74.6% vs 58.7%; P < .001), worse quality of life (Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire, median: 42 vs 29; P < .001) and more frequent poor control of CSU (78% vs 69%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of NSRS in a subpopulation of patients with CSU points to the need for better control of the disease, exclusion of comorbid conditions, and/or exclusion of urticarial vasculitis and urticarial autoinflammatory diseases.

Neutrophilic Urticarial Dermatosis

Neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis (NUD) is a rare form of dermatosis that is poorly understood. It was first described by Kieffer and colleagues as an urticarial eruption that is histopathologically characterized by a perivascular and interstitial neutrophilic infiltrate with intense leukocytoclasia and without vasculitis or dermal edema. NUD clinically presents as a chronic or recurrent eruption that consists of nonpruritic macules, papules, or plaques that are pink to reddish and that resolve within 24 hours without residual pigmentation. NUD is often associated with systemic diseases such as Schnitzler syndrome, lupus erythematosus, adult-onset Still's disease, and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.

Acute neutrophilic vasculitis (leukocytoclasia) in 36 COVID-19 autopsy brains

BACKGROUND

Hypercytokinemia, the renin-angiotensin system, hypoxia, immune dysregulation, and vasculopathy with evidence of immune-related damage are implicated in brain morbidity in COVID-19 along with a wide variety of genomic and environmental influences. There is relatively little evidence of direct SARS-CoV-2 brain infection in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

Brain histopathology of 36 consecutive autopsies of patients who were RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 was studied along with findings from contemporary and pre-pandemic historical control groups. Immunostaining for serum and blood cell proteins and for complement components was employed. Microcirculatory wall complement deposition in the COVID-19 cohort was compared to historical control cases. Comparisons also included other relevant clinicopathological and microcirculatory findings in the COVID-19 cohort and control groups.

RESULTS

The COVID-19 cohort and both the contemporary and historical control groups had the same rate of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. The COVID-19 cohort had varying amounts of acute neutrophilic vasculitis with leukocytoclasia in the microcirculation of the brain in all cases. Prominent vascular neutrophilic transmural migration was found in several cases and 25 cases had acute perivasculitis. Paravascular microhemorrhages and petechial hemorrhages (small brain parenchymal hemorrhages) had a slight tendency to be more numerous in cohort cases that displayed less acute neutrophilic vasculitis. Tissue burden of acute neutrophilic vasculitis with leukocytoclasia was the same in control cases as a group, while it was significantly higher in COVID-19 cases. Both the tissue burden of acute neutrophilic vasculitis and the activation of complement components, including membrane attack complex, were significantly higher in microcirculatory channels in COVID-19 cohort brains than in historical controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute neutrophilic vasculitis with leukocytoclasia, acute perivasculitis, and associated paravascular blood extravasation into brain parenchyma constitute the first phase of an immune-related, acute small-vessel inflammatory condition often termed type 3 hypersensitivity vasculitis or leukocytoclastic vasculitis. There is a higher tissue burden of acute neutrophilic vasculitis and an increased level of activated complement components in microcirculatory walls in COVID-19 cases than in pre-pandemic control cases. These findings are consistent with a more extensive small-vessel immune-related vasculitis in COVID-19 cases than in control cases. The pathway(s) and mechanism for these findings are speculative.

Differential diagnosis between urticarial vasculitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria: An international Delphi survey

BACKGROUND

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) should be differentiated from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in patients initially presenting with recurrent wheals, although criteria for differential diagnosis remain ill-defined.

OBJECTIVES

To set the goals, define criteria and unmet needs in UV diagnosis and differential diagnosis with CSU, and explore the possibility of coexistence of both diseases.

METHODS

Thirteen experts experienced in UV research participated in a Delphi survey of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology taskforce. This Delphi survey involved three rounds of anonymous responses to n = 32 questions with the aim to aggregate the experts' opinions and to achieve consensus. Urticaria specialists (n = 130, most from Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence) evaluated the consensus statements and recommendations in the fourth and final round.

RESULTS

The panel agreed that essential criteria to guide a skin biopsy in patients with recurrent wheals should include at least one of the following features: wheal duration >24 h, bruising/postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and systemic symptoms. Leukocytoclasia and fibrin deposits were identified as a minimum set of UV histological criteria. As agreed by the panel members, CSU and normocomplementemic UV (NUV) may coexist in some patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of established criteria for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of UV in patients with recurrent wheals can help guide the diagnostic approach and prompt earlier treatment. Further studies should investigate whether CSU and NUV are different entities or part of a disease spectrum.

Normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in a patient with multiple sclerosis on glatiramer acetate

Glatiramer acetate is one of the oldest and safest disease modifying therapies used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Urticarial vasculitis is a rare complication of treatment with glatiramer acetate, having been reported by only two others previously. Here, we describe a case of normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis diagnosed on skin punch biopsy in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with glatiramer acetate for five years. Upon treatment with steroids and an antihistamine along with discontinuation of glatiramer acetate, the urticaria resolved.

Angioedema in the Absence of C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency in a Young Patient With Anti-dsDNA Negative Lupus Nephritis

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant condition marked by a lack of functioning C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). In contrast, acquired angioedema (AAE) due to a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (AAE-C1-INH) may be the manifestation of an underlying lymphoproliferative, neoplastic, or autoimmune condition. Both are potentially fatal. The C1q protein is normal in HAE but low in AAE. A third mechanism has been reported to cause angioedema, especially in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. AAE, which happens in association with SLE, may respond well to steroids. Here we present a case of AAE in a young female with SLE that led to upper airway compromise, requiring endotracheal intubation. Early detection and treatment of such cases can lead to an outstanding prognosis by preventing airway compromise and anoxic brain injury. Even though it is a condition of either very young or middle-aged patients, practitioners must be aware of this uncommon disease linked with SLE in adolescents and young adults.

Normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis secondary to Lyme disease: A rare association with challenging treatment

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a rare entity characterised by long-lasting recurrent episodes of urticarial lesions. Although frequently idiopathic, UV has been associated with multiple diseases, including infections. We present a case of Lyme disease (LD) as a trigger of normocomplementemic UV, a very rarely described association. The patient presented first with episodes of inflammatory polyarthritis and a positive serology for Borrelia burgdorferi, later followed by the appearance of long-lasting urticarial lesions, histologically suggestive of UV. Lyme arthritis resolved with doxycycline, but UV persisted. Response to cyclosporine was satisfactory but with side effects, and only methotrexate showed substantial and consistent improvement. This case reminds physicians that chronic urticaria with atypical characteristics should raise suspicion of UV. Possible triggers for this disease must be sought, even if rarely described, such as LD. Normocomplementemic UV frequently presents a therapeutic challenge, but methotrexate can be a particularly effective therapy in this setting.

Patient-reported outcomes in vasculitis

Systemic vasculitis encompasses a group of multisystem disorders; both the diseases and the treatment strategies can have a significant impact on a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) to evaluate the patient's view of their condition, treatments, and healthcare journey is essential to the patient-centered care approach. In this paper, we discuss the use of generic, disease-specific, and treatment-specific PROMs and PREMs in systemic vasculitis and future research goals.

A comprehensive insight into the anti-inflammatory properties of dapsone

The 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), also known as dapsone, is traditionally used as a potent anti-bacterial agent in clinical management of leprosy. For decades, dapsone has been among the first-line medications used in multidrug treatment of leprosy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Shortly after dapsone's discovery as an antibiotic in 1937, the dual function of dapsone (anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory) was elucidated. Dapsone exerts its anti-bacterial effects by inhibiting dihydrofolic acid synthesis, leading to inhibition of bacterial growth, while its anti-inflammatory properties are triggered by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reducing the effect of eosinophil peroxidase on mast cells and downregulating neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses. Among the leading mechanisms associated with its anti-microbial/anti-protozoal effects, dapsone clearly has multiple antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic functions. In this regard, it has been described in treating a wide variety of inflammatory and infectious skin conditions. Previous reports have explored different molecular targets for dapsone and provided insight into the anti-inflammatory mechanism of dapsone. This article reviews several basic, experimental, and clinical approaches on anti-inflammatory effect of dapsone.

Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis Associated With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Case Report

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is an uncommon condition characterized by recurrent episodes of urticarial lesions and angioedema and the pathological features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. UV divides into two subgroups based on the level of serum complement. Usually, patients with hypocomplementemia experience internal organ involvement and an unfavorable prognosis. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of hepatitis B infection and autoimmune thyroiditis who developed hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis with recurrent angioedema and arthralgia. Complete remission was achieved using dapsone in monotherapy. We suggest dapsone as a potential treatment of choice for hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. This clinical case emphasizes the need for urticarial vasculitis treatment guidelines.

Annular urticarial lesions

Annular urticarial configurations are often associated with acute and chronic urticaria. Such lesions may be short-lived, migratory, transient, pruritic, and resolving with no residual evidence, making the diagnosis of urticaria an obvious one. Annular urticarial lesions can be the presenting signs of various cutaneous and systemic diseases. The differentiation of urticarial lesions may be made by considering the duration of an individual lesion longer than 24 hours, with burning and pain sensation in the lesions or lack of pruritus; skin marks such as postinflammatory pigmentation or purpura after resolution of the lesions; associated scaling or vehiculation in the lesions; systemic symptoms such as arthralgia, fever or fatigue; and several abnormal laboratory findings. The main differential diagnoses of annular urticarial lesions include urticarial vasculitis, autoinflammatory syndromes, hypersensitivity reactions, and connective tissue diseases.

Correct approach in urticarial vasculitis made early diagnosis of lupus nephritis possible: a case report

Background

Urticarial vasculitis is a clinicopathologic entity defined by recurrent episodes of urticarial lesions that persist > 24 hours and demonstrate the histopathologic features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The most important prognostic feature is the presence of normo- or hypocomplementemia. In the latter, patients are much more likely to have systemic manifestations. Urticarial vasculitis is most often idiopathic, but it can arise in association with autoimmune connective diseases, cryoglobulinemia, infections, medications, and hematologic malignancies.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 61-year-old Caucasian woman with a skin eruption that consisted of erythematous plaques on the trunk and limbs that lasted > 24 hours but were asymptomatic. The skin eruption had an acute onset and persisted for 3 months upon initial presentation in our dermatology department. A punch biopsy showed signs of a leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the superficial dermis. On laboratory examination, signs of activation of the complement system were found with low complement C3, C4, and C1q, and with a high anti-C1q antibody titer. The clinical, histological, and lab results fit the diagnosis of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. There was also a positive antinuclear factor with elevated U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein and high double-stranded DNA determined by Farr method. On urinalysis, marked proteinuria and massive hematuria were found. Kidney biopsy showed focal crescentic and focal mesangial type of glomerular damage with a full-blown positivity of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and C1q, leading to lupus nephritis class III-A (according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification of lupus nephritis). The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (Euro-Lupus regimen) as remission-inducing agent, followed by azathioprine as remission-maintaining agent. This treatment regimen gave good results, with total clearance of the skin lesions and remission of the lupus nephritis.

Conclusion

Clinicopathologic recognition of urticarial vasculitis with correct screening for extracutaneous disease can lead to early diagnosis of serious organ involvement and thereby improve prognosis for the patient.

MultiColor imaging in urticarial vasculitis with recurrent branch retinal artery occlusion in a case with positive toxoplasma IgG and interferon-gamma release assay - Case report

Introduction

We report a male who presented with acute visual defect and was diagnosed with urticarial vasculitis with recurrent branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) after systemic disease survey, fluorescein angiography (FA), and MultiColor imaging (MCI).

Case report

A 47-year-old male with a history of urticarial vasculitis presented with visual defect OD. Fundus examination showed two foci of ischemic retinal whitening beneath the inferior arcade and above the superior arcade. MCI demonstrated a greenish tinge in the corresponding area. FA revealed segmental arteriolar staining and arterial occlusive changes. BRAO with retinal arteritis was diagnosed. Toxoplasma IgG was positive. Sulfamethoxazole 400mg plus trimethoprim 80mg was given. His vision worsened after 1-week of treatment. The established lesions improved, but new lesions occurred. Interferon-gamma release assay was positive but tuberculosis DNA qualitative amplification test of sputum was negative. Sputum acid-fast stain was positive and culture revealed nontuberculous mycobacteria. Left facial itching and reactive lymphadenopathy developed. Prednisolone and cyclophosphamide were started. The initial retinal artery lesions regained perfusion.

Conclusions

Urticarial vasculitis with recurrent BRAO is an immune complex-mediated disease. Greenish-tinged occlusive lesions were noted from MCI with high resolution and contrast. MCI could be a valuable method for retinal vessel occlusive disease detection before FA and follow up.

Bilateral exudative retinal detachments and associated choroidal detachments in a patient on dapsone: a case report

BACKGROUND

Dapsone is a synthetic sulfonamide used to treat numerous dermatologic conditions. Ocular side effects have been rarely reported and include retinal necrosis, optic atrophy, and macular infarction. We report the first known case of bilateral choroidal effusions and exudative retinal detachments associated with dapsone use.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old male with a past medical history of testicular seminoma presented with bilateral blurry vision for 2 months. His exam revealed bilateral choroidal effusions with bilateral exudative retinal detachments without evidence of intraocular tumor. The patient had recently been prescribed dapsone for urticarial vasculitis. The patient was instructed to discontinue dapsone and follow-up closely. Interval follow-up of 8 months demonstrated almost complete resolution of the choroidal effusions and retinal detachments with residual pigment epithelium changes after cessation of dapsone. The patient recovered his pre-detachment visual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients on dapsone who present with new visual complaints should undergo a thorough ophthalmic evaluation given the multiple mechanisms by which dapsone can affect the eye.

Urticarial vasculitis: Clinical and laboratory findings with a particular emphasis on differential diagnosis

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a rare cutaneous vasculitis of small vessels characterized by recurrent episodes of wheal-like lesions that tend to last more than 24 hours, healing with a residual ecchymotic postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The histopathologic pattern of UV is that of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, consisting of fibrinoid necrosis of dermal vessels' walls and neutrophil-rich perivascular inflammatory infiltrates. Although its etiopahogenesis remains still undefined, UV is now regarded as an immune complex-driven disease with activation of the complement cascade, leading to exaggerated production of anaphylatoxins that are responsible for neutrophil recruitment and activation. This condition can be categorized into 2 main entities according to serum complement levels: normocomplementemic UV and hypocomplementemic UV, the latter being associated with circulating anti-C1q autoantibodies and possible extracutaneous manifestations. Systemic multiorgan involvement may be seen particularly in syndromic hypocomplementemic UV, also known as McDuffie syndrome. This review summarizes the clinicopathological and laboratory features as well as the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of UV. A focus on its main differential diagnoses is provided, that is, chronic spontaneous urticaria, bullous pemphigoid, IgA (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) and IgM/IgG immune complex vasculitis, lupus erythematous tumidus, Wells syndrome, erythema multiforme, cutaneous mastocytosis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, and coronavirus disease 2019-associated and anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-vaccine-associated urticarial eruptions.

Urticarial vasculitis: A potential signpost for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare and serious complication of Sars-Cov-2 infection. Dermatologic manifestations are present in the majority of patients. Skin lesions found in children with MIS-C are classified into four categories: morbilliform, reticulated, scarlatiniform, and urticarial lesions. Clinicopathologic characterization within these categories is limited. Thus, we present a clear example of an urticarial lesion in the context of MIS-C with well-documented clinicopathologic phenomena. A previously healthy 16-year-old female presented with 3 weeks of an itchy, burning rash initially presenting on her right forearm (and lasting greater than 24 hours without migration) before spreading diffusely. She also reported fever, cough, myalgias, nausea, and vomiting of 4 weeks' duration. Physical examination revealed an edematous, maculopapular, nonblanching, erythematous rash covering the patient's upper extremities, abdomen, back, anterior thighs, and face. The patient tested positive for COVID-19. A low-grade leukocytoclastic vasculitis was noted along with intraluminal fibrin and rare microthrombi in vessels of the mid to deep dermis. The patient was diagnosed with MIS-C and urticarial vasculitis. She was treated with steroids and naproxen for subsequent MIS-C flares. Dapsone treatment was started for the urticarial vasculitis.

Urticarial vasculitis

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare clinicopathologic entity that is characterized by chronic or recurrent episodes of urticarial lesions. Skin findings of this disease can be difficult to distinguish visually from those of chronic idiopathic urticaria but are unique in that individual lesions persist for ≥24 hours and can leave behind dusky hyperpigmentation. This disease is most often idiopathic but has been linked to certain drugs, infections, autoimmune connective disease, myelodysplastic disorders, and malignancies. More recently, some authors have reported associations between urticarial vasculitis and COVID-19, as well as influenza A/H1N1 infection. Urticarial vasculitis can extend systemically as well, most often affecting the musculoskeletal, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and ocular systems. Features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis seen on histopathologic examination are diagnostic of this disease, but not always seen. In practice, antibiotics, dapsone, colchicine, and hydroxychloroquine are popular first-line therapies, especially for mild cutaneous disease. In more severe cases, immunosuppressives, including methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and cyclosporine, as well as corticosteroids, may be necessary for control. More recently, select biologic therapies, including rituximab, omalizumab, and interleukin-1 inhibitors have shown promise for the treatment of recalcitrant or refractory cases.

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome presenting with bilateral scleritis

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by recurrent urticarial lesions and acquired hypocomplementemia with systemic manifestations. The authors present the case of a 70-year-old man who presented to the ophthalmology clinic with bilateral scleritis and ocular hypertension. He was diagnosed with HUVS after a 6-month period of bilateral scleritis, vestibulitis, significant weight loss, mononeuritis multiplex and recurrent urticarial vasculitis with pronounced persistent hypocomplementemia and the presence of anti-C1q antibodies. Disease control was eventually obtained with mycophenolate and prednisolone.

A novel histopathological scoring system to distinguish urticarial vasculitis from chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is defined by long‐lasting urticarial lesions combined with the histopathologic findings of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. As one of the major unmet needs in UV, diagnostic criteria are rather vague and not standardized. Moreover, there seems to be considerable overlap with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), particularly for the normocomplementemic variant of UV. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a diagnostic scoring system that improves the histopathologic discrimination between UV and CSU.

Methods

Lesional skin sections of patients with clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of UV (n = 46) and CSU (n = 51) were analyzed (blinded to the diagnosis) for the following pre‐defined criteria: presence of leukocytoclasia, erythrocyte extravasation, fibrin deposits, endothelial cell swelling, ectatic vessels, blurred vessel borders, dermal edema, intravascular neutrophil, and eosinophil numbers and numbers of dermal neutrophils, macrophages and mast cells.

Results

The greatest differences between UV and CSU samples were observed for leukocytoclasia (present in 76% of UV vs. 3.9% of CSU samples; p < 0.0001), erythrocyte extravasation (present in 41.3% of UV vs. 2.0% of CSU samples; p < 0.0001), and fibrin deposits (present in 27.9% of UV vessels vs. 9.7% of CSU vessels; p < 0.0001). Based on these findings, we developed a diagnostic score, the urticarial vasculitis score (UVS), which correctly assigned 37 of 46 cases of UV and 49 of 51 cases of CSU to the previously established diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the UVS, a combined quantitative assessment of the three criteria leukocytoclasia, fibrin deposits and extravasated erythrocytes, distinguishes UV from CSU in skin histopathology. The UVS, if validated in larger patient samples, may help to improve the diagnostic approach to UV.

Real-World Experience on Omalizumab Treatment for Patients with Normocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis

Background

Urticarial vasculitis is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by long-lasting wheals. It was suggested omalizumab is well tolerated and effective in patients with hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical response and safety of omalizumab for treating patients with normocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis (NUV) in real-world setting.

Methods

We collected data from a single-center. This study included patients with NUV who was received omalizumab therapy. During a 24-week study period, the clinical efficacy was evaluated by patient’s self-assessment instrument urticarial vasculitis activity score and Dermatology Life Quality Index.

Results

Five patients with NUV were enrolled. Three patients received 6 doses of 150 or 300 mg omalizumab subcutaneously every 4 weeks. At 24-week follow-up, it was revealed improvement of clinical manifestations and reduction of urticarial vasculitis activity score and Dermatology Life Quality Index. At 24-week visit, mild wheals recurred in one patient who was only administrated with omalizumab for 4 times. One patient did not response to omalizumab therapy. No adverse events were recorded in the 5 patients.

Conclusion

Omalizumab may be a potential choice in the treatment of patients with NUV in the real-world life.

[Eosinophilic annular erythema in a 20-month-old girl]

Wir berichten über ein 20 Monate altes Mädchen mit teils anulären, urtikariellen Hautveränderungen am gesamten Integument, die bis zu 1 Woche persistierten und dann an neuen Stellen auftraten. Die histologische Aufarbeitung zeigte ein urtikarielles Entzündungsmuster mit interstitiellem Ödem und einem Infiltrat mit Lymphozyten, Neutrophilen und vielen eosinophilen Granulozyten ohne Flammenfiguren. Das Labor war unauffällig. In Zusammenschau stellten wir die Diagnose eines eosinophilen anulären Erythems (EAE) im Kindesalter, das zu den eosinophilen Dermatosen zählt.

Skin Biopsy in Chronic Urticaria: When and Where and What to Look for?

Chronic urticaria is a relatively common condition in dermatology and is usually diagnosed on clinical grounds. Skin biopsy, however, may be indicated in certain cases to confirm diagnosis and rule out other conditions that can cause hive-like rashes. We review histopathologic findings seen in both chronic urticaria and other entities in the differential diagnosis. We then propose an algorithm of indications for skin biopsy in patients with hive-like rashes and suggest possible diagnoses based on the histopathologic findings.

Clinicopathological Profile and Outcome of Childhood Urticaria Vasculitis: An Observational Study

Background Urticaria is a type III hypersensitivity reaction usually triggered by an infection, medication, or food item. It usually subsides within 24 hours without any residual lesion and does not have any systemic manifestation. Urticaria vasculitis (UV) is a clinicopathological condition defined by the presence of an urticarial lesion lasting for >24 hours or recurrent episodes of urticaria associated with histopathological features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching institute in Eastern India over a period of 2 and ½ years. Children presenting with urticaria lesions for a duration of > 24 hours that did not subside either spontaneously or with anti-histamines were admitted for further workup and management. Results During the study period (July 2015 to December 2017), a total of 20 children with urticaria needed admission for symptom control and further workup. There were 16 boys and 4 girls. The mean (SD) age of presentation was 6.5 years (±2.4). Besides urticaria in all, pain abdomen was present in 13 (65%) and fever in 6 (30%) children. Only one had arthritis. Skin biopsy performed in these children was suggestive of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. One child was ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) positive with low C3. All except three children required systemic steroid for symptom control along with other medications (anti-histamines). None had suffered any complication or relapse.  Conclusions Urticaria vasculitis (most common cause being idiopathic) remains underdiagnosed because of the need of confirmation by biopsy, which might not always be attempted in every case. Though anti-histamines remain the main stay of treatment, adding short course oral steroid shortens the course once infection is ruled out.

Successful Treatment of Urticarial Vasculitis in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Rituximab

Urticarial vasculitis is an eruption of erythematous wheals that clinically resemble urticaria but histologically show changes of leukocytoklastic vasculitis. In association with connective tissue disease it is most commonly seen complicating Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and, less often, Sjogren's syndrome. Here, we report a 25-year-old woman who developed SLE in 1998. In May 2013 she presented with urticarial vasculitis; her skin biopsy was consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. She also developed bilateral uveitis. She had most of the clinical and laboratory characteristics of hypocomplementic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) which is difficult to be differentiated from SLE. She was treated with high-dose prednisone, Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF), colchicine, and Dapsone but failed. We decided to give her Rituximab (RTX), her urticarial vasculitis and uveitis symptoms improved significantly. Unfortunately, later on she presented with severe discoid lupus. We started her on thalidomide and responded well. Our case highlights that Rituximab is a good option for severe refractory urticarial vasculitis and thalidomide is effective in treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and can be used safely in specialist rheumatological practice.

[Diagnosis and treatment of vasculitic ulcerations]

Vasculitis is a rare cause of skin ulceration. Depending on the size of the affected vessel, the patient's comorbidities and the pathophysiology present, different clinical morphologies can be seen, which can often give preliminary indications of the type of underlying vasculitis. There may be systemic or cutaneous manifestations; thus, a targeted diagnostic workup should be initiated at an early stage. Treatment should be interdisciplinary if there is systemic participation. Vasculopathies (e.g., livedoid vasculopathy), in which occlusion of the vascular lumen is the main pathophysiological feature, should be delimitated from vasculitis. If vasculitic or vasculopathic ulceration is present, stage-appropriate wound management is recommended.

Current and Potential Biologic Drugs for the Treatment of Chronic Urticaria

This article reviews biologic treatments that are currently applied for the treatment of severe chronic urticaria. Monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E (omalizumab) is effective and safe in many patients, but accessibility and cost constitute barriers to its wider use. Questions on the optimal duration of the treatment and possible symptom recurrences after discontinuing the drug are still raised. A discussion is presented about several other biologics currently under investigation with potential to be incorporated in the near future in patients with severe chronic urticaria.

Management of urticarial vasculitis: A worldwide physician perspective

BACKGROUND

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a rare type of leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by long lasting urticarial skin lesions and poor response to treatment. As of yet, no clinical guidelines, diagnostic criteria, or treatment algorithms exist, and the approaches to the diagnostic workup and treatment of UV patients may differ globally. We conducted an online survey to examine how UV patients are diagnosed and treated by international specialists and to reveal the greatest challenges in managing UV patients worldwide.

METHODS

Distribution of the questionnaire included an email to individuals in the World Allergy Organization (WAO) database, with no restrictions applied to the specialty, affiliation, or nationality of the participants (November 2018). The email contained a link (Internet address) to the online questionnaire. Responses were anonymous. The link to the questionnaire was further sent to the network of Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) in the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) as well as to the Turkish Dermatology Society and the Japanese Society of Allergology, who distributed the link to their members. In addition, the survey link was posted online in the group of the Russian Society of Allergologists and Immunologists.

RESULTS

We received 883 completed surveys from physicians in 92 countries. UV was reported to be rare in clinical practice, with an average of 5 patients per physician per year. More than two-thirds of physicians reported wheals, burning of the skin, and residual hyperpigmentation in 60-100% of UV patients. The most frequently reported reason for receiving referrals of patients with UV was to establish the diagnosis. The most important features for establishing the diagnosis of UV were wheals of longer than 24 hours duration (72%), the results of skin biopsy (63%), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (46%). The most common tests ordered in UV patients were complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement components, antinuclear antibodies, and skin biopsy. Physicians considered UV to be of unknown cause in most patients, and drugs and systemic lupus erythematosus to be the most common identifiable causes. Two of 3 physicians reported that they use second-generation antihistamines in standard dose as the first-line therapy in patients with UV. The greatest perceived challenges in the management of UV were the limited efficacy of drugs and the absence of clinical guidelines and treatment algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

UV is a challenging disease. Skin biopsy, a gold standard for UV diagnosis, is not performed by many physicians. This may lead to misdiagnosis of UV, for example, as chronic spontaneous urticaria, and to inadequate treatment. International consensus-based recommendations for the classification of UV and the diagnostic workup and treatment, as well as prospective studies evaluating potentially safe and effective drugs for the treatment of UV, are necessary.

Normocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis: An Unusual Presentation

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a form of cutaneous vasculitis which lasts for >24 h. Clinically, the patients present with erythema and wheals. The level of complement decides the type of UV. This is a case of a middle-aged lady, who developed vesiculobullous lesion over her leg after trekking. She was diagnosed to have normocomplementemic UV. Bullous presentation of UV is a rare scenario.

Vasculitis: A Checklist to Approach and Treatment Update for Dermatologists

Vasculitis poses a great diagnostic, investigative and therapeutic challenge to the treating physician. The classification of vasculitides itself still eludes universal acceptance. Comprehensive management comprises establishing the diagnosis of true vasculitis after ruling out vasculitis mimics, finding the etiology if feasible, assessing the caliber of the vessels involved, deciphering the pathological process of vessel damage, investigating for the existence and extent of systemic involvement and finally planning the therapy in the background of co-morbidities. Successful management also entails regular monitoring to foresee complications arising from the disease process itself as well as complications of immunosuppressive treatment. Although steroids remain first line drug, biologics are emerging as popular agents in the treatment of immune-mediated vasculitis. Triphasic treatment is the best plan of action comprising induction, maintenance of remission and treatment of relapses.

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome with gastrointestinal vasculitis and crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis without immune complex deposits

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by hypocomplementemia and urticaria-like exanthema. Some cases also display abdominal pain and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) with immune complex deposits. We treated a case of HUVS with biopsy-proven gastrointestinal vasculitis and atypical histological findings in a kidney biopsy. The 36-year-old Japanese man, who was previously diagnosed with diffuse panbronchiolitis, visited our hospital due to transient urticaria-like exanthema and rapid deterioration of kidney function. On admission, the skin lesion was found to be only pigmentation, showing no vasculitis by skin biopsy. In laboratory findings, renal dysfunction with hematuria and proteinuria and hypocomplementemia were observed. Gastrointestinal vasculitis was proven by endoscopy and biopsy of the mucosa. Kidney biopsy revealed MPGN with crescents. No immune complex deposits were observed by immunofluorescence or electron microscopy. Additional examination revealed high titers of anti-C1q antibody. The patient was diagnosed with HUVS and treated with corticosteroids and plasma exchange. Although renal function and gastrointestinal vasculitis partially improved, infectious pneumonia frequently recurred. His renal dysfunction began to progress again and reached end-stage kidney disease. This is the first case of HUVS with biopsy-proven gastrointestinal vasculitis and MPGN without immune complex deposits. Notably, in some case of HUVS, anti-C1q antibody may activate the alternative complement pathway without immune complex deposits, resulting in renal injury.

Schnitzler syndrome

Schnitzler syndrome is a very rare acquired systemic disease with many similarities to hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes. The main characteristics are generalized exanthema and IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Other clinical features include fever, muscle, bone, and/or joint pain, and lymphadenopathy. About 15-20% of patients with Schnitzler syndrome develop lymphoproliferative diseases and, in rare cases, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis can occur if the disease is not treated. Activation of the innate immune system, especially interleukin (IL)-1β, is central to the pathogenesis of disease. Consequently, complete control of disease symptoms can be achieved in 80% of patients by treatment with the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra.

Autoimmune thyroid disease and urticarial vasculitis: is there a significant association?

Little is known about the association of urticarial vasculitis (UV) with thyroid autoimmunity. The latter has been mostly described in the setting of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). In this letter to the editor, we compare UV and CSU through retrospective analyses, which reveal that 41.7% patients with UV presented antithyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) and/or antithyroglobulin antibody (ATA) above the reference range, while only 4% patients with CSU had these antibodies elevated. There is a moderately strong association assessed by the Phi coefficient (φ = 0.420, p = 0.004). Further research is needed to appropriately address the relationship between UV and thyroid autoimmunity and explore any potential underlying pathophysiological process between both diseases.

[Schnitzler syndrome]

Schnitzler syndrome is a very rare acquired systemic disease with many similarities to hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes. The main characteristics are generalized exanthema and a monoclonal gammopathy with IgM. Other clinical features include fever, muscle, bone and/or joint pain, and lymphadenopathy. About 15-20% of patients with Schnitzler syndrome develop lymphoproliferative diseases and, in rare cases, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis can occur if the disease is not treated. Activation of the innate immune system, especially interleukin(IL)-1β, is central in the pathogenesis of the disease. Consequently, complete control of disease symptoms can be achieved in 80% of patients by treatment with the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra.

Vasculitis in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a rare, heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease that can affect any organ, and present with diverse clinical and serological manifestations. Vasculitis can be a feature of JSLE. It more commonly presents as cutaneous vasculitis than visceral vasculitis, which can affect the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, lungs, gut, kidneys, heart, and large vessels. The incidence and prevalence of vasculitis in JSLE has not been well described to date. Symptoms of vasculitis can be non-specific and overlap with other features of JSLE, requiring careful consideration for the diagnosis to be achieved and promptly treated. Biopsies are often required to make a definitive diagnosis and differentiate JSLE related vasculitis from other manifestations of JSLE, vasculopathies, and JSLE related antiphospholipid syndrome. Visceral vasculitis can be life threatening, and its presence at the time of JSLE diagnosis is associated with permanent organ damage, which further highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment. This review will focus on the presentation, diagnosis, management and outcomes of vasculitis in JSLE, highlighting gaps in the current evidence base.

Patient-reported outcomes in urticarial vasculitis treated with omalizumab: case report

Background

Despite the current knowledge of UV, there is a lack of consensus among diagnostic criteria and management. In general, antihistamine therapy is regularly used for the symptomatic management of pruritus but does not control inflammation or alter the course of the disease. Monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab (anti-IgE) have been proposed as a potential treatment for urticarial vasculitis. A few studies have reported the benefits of omalizumab in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Herein we describe a female patient with urticarial vasculitis who was treated with omalizumab. We discuss the response to treatment and possible implications of PROMs in guiding the management of the disease.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 57-year-old woman with a diagnosis of urticarial vasculitis. Due to lack of response to first-line treatment and the severity of the disease, treatment with omalizumab was initiated. Omalizumab 150 mg was administered every four weeks for three months. Second-generation antihistamines were used as needed. Both CU-Q2oL and UAS 7 improved. After three-month therapy with omalizumab, disease severity improved from moderate severity (UAS7 = 19) to well controlled (UAS7 = 6). However, 5 months after the last administration of omalizumab, the patient complained of worsening symptoms and active disease with quality of life impairment. A single dose of omalizumab (150 mg) was prescribed with corticosteroids. Thereafter, the patient presented a disease activity and quality of life with a fluctuating pattern that was controlled with additional doses of omalizumab.

Conclusion

In chronic urticaria, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important for assessing disease status and the impact of symptoms on patients’ lives. However, to our knowledge, there is no validated tool to measure such outcomes in UV patients. Although UAS7 and CU-Q2oL were not designed for UV assessment, they might be useful in the clinical setting as objective measures to determine treatment efficacy. However, some domains in the CU-Q2oL questionnaires do not correlate well with UAS7, which might serve as a relative indication to continue treatment despite disease severity improvement. Based on our observations, we believe omalizumab 150 mg might be a feasible therapeutic alternative when first-line treatment is unsuccessful.

Interpretation of Serological Complement Biomarkers in Disease

Complement system aberrations have been identified as pathophysiological mechanisms in a number of diseases and pathological conditions either directly or indirectly. Examples of such conditions include infections, inflammation, autoimmune disease, as well as allogeneic and xenogenic transplantation. Both prospective and retrospective studies have demonstrated significant complement-related differences between patient groups and controls. However, due to the low degree of specificity and sensitivity of some of the assays used, it is not always possible to make predictions regarding the complement status of individual patients. Today, there are three main indications for determination of a patient's complement status: (1) complement deficiencies (acquired or inherited); (2) disorders with aberrant complement activation; and (3) C1 inhibitor deficiencies (acquired or inherited). An additional indication is to monitor patients on complement-regulating drugs, an indication which may be expected to increase in the near future since there is now a number of such drugs either under development, already in clinical trials or in clinical use. Available techniques to study complement include quantification of: (1) individual components; (2) activation products, (3) function, and (4) autoantibodies to complement proteins. In this review, we summarize the appropriate indications, techniques, and interpretations of basic serological complement analyses, exemplified by a number of clinical disorders.

[Schnitzler syndrome]

Schnitzler syndrome is a very rare acquired systemic disease with many similarities to hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes. The main characteristics are generalized exanthema and a monoclonal gammopathy with IgM. Other clinical features include fever, muscle, bone and/or joint pain, and lymphadenopathy. About 15-20% of patients with Schnitzler syndrome develop lymphoproliferative diseases and, in rare cases, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis can occur if the disease is not treated. Activation of the innate immune system, especially interleukin(IL)-1β, is central in the pathogenesis of the disease. Consequently, complete control of disease symptoms can be achieved in 80% of patients by treatment with the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: The Devil's Itch

Chronic urticaria is defined as the presence of urticaria for a period exceeding 6 weeks, assuming symptoms for most days of the week. It is divided into chronic inducible urticarias and chronic spontaneous urticaria, previously termed chronic idiopathic urticaria. The latter designation emphasizes that patients can experience urticaria independent of any exogenous stimulus even if one can define circumstances that may worsen symptoms. A search for such an external "cause" is fruitless because the underlying abnormality is "intrinsic," whether it is autoimmune, or some unknown process. Approximately 40% of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria report accompanying episodes of angioedema, whereas 10% have angioedema as their primary manifestation. In most cases, it is a self-limiting disorder, persisting for 2 to 5 years in most cases, although 20% of patients suffer for more than 5 years. The treatment that has evolved is largely empiric, based on double-blind, placebo-controlled studies whenever possible, but is not yet targeted to any particular pathogenic mechanism. In this article, we review the current status regarding pathogenesis, discuss the diagnostic workup, and update the approach to treatment including consideration of published guidelines, our own experience, and guideline updates that are being prepared.

Cutaneous Drug Reactions in the Elderly

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions comprise a significant proportion of all adverse drug reactions. They may mimic other dermatologic or systemic illnesses and may cause significant morbidity or mortality. Seven morphologic groups encompass the most commonly encountered cutaneous drug reaction syndromes: exanthematous (maculopapular), dermatitic/eczematous, urticarial, pustular, blistering, purpuric, and erythrodermic. Drug reactions may have significant downstream consequences for the older individual.

Etiology of chronic urticaria: the Ecuadorian experience

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify chronic urticaria (CU) etiologies and treatment modalities in Ecuador. We propose that the sample distribution fits the expected one, and that there is an association between the etiology and its treatment.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study involving 112 patients diagnosed with CU using a Checklist for a complete chronic urticaria medical history. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. The etiology of CU was classified using the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guideline. Descriptive analyses were performed for demographical and clinical variables. Chi square tests were applied to analyze the fit of distribution and the independence of variables. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Among all the patients, 76.8% were diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), of which 22.3% had a known etiology or possible exacerbating condition. Food allergy was identified as the most common accompanying condition in patients with CSU (10.7%) (p < 0.01).. On the other hand, 23.2% inducible urticarias (CIndU) were indentified; dermographism was the most common (10.7%) (p < 0.01).

Regarding treatment regimens, sg-H1-antihistamines alone represented the highest proportion (44.6%). The combination of any H1-antihistamine plus other drug was a close second (42.0%) (p < 0.01). Almost 48% of CSUs of unknown etiology were treated with any antihistamine plus another drug. In patients with known etiology, sg-antihistamines alone (44.0%) was the most common management. In addition, 53.8% of CIndUs were treated with sg-antihistamines alone. Though, these associations were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

CSU is the most frequent subtype of CU. Modern non-sedating antihistamines in licensed doses are the drug of choice. Nevertheless, a great proportion of patients require the addition of another type of medication.

Checklist for a complete chronic urticaria medical history: an easy tool

BACKGROUND

Existing guidelines do not offer a quick, efficient alternative to the patient's recollection of relevant clinical features during anamnesis and physical examination for chronic urticaria (CU). This study aimed to identify specific items reflecting the main characteristics of CU that should be included in a comprehensive medical history for patients with CU. We also aimed to clarify possible eliciting factors for CU to support accurate diagnosis of the disease.

METHODS

A panel of postgraduate dermatologists conducted a literature search for relevant studies on CU using Medline, the Cochrane database, and PubMed.

RESULTS

We identified82 articles from which we drew a collection of items to inform development of an easy-to-use checklist and collection of items that should be included in a correct medical history. The final version of the checklist included42 items across two areas: essential clues for anamnesis and diagnosis of CU; and typical symptoms/parameters or characteristics according to subtype, etiology, and laboratory findings. Items included time of disease onset; duration, shape, size, color, and distribution of wheals; associated angioedema; atopy; and triggering factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our guide provides an easy-to-use tool to support clinicians to focus, orient themselves, and save time in medical consultations for CU, allowing better diagnosis and management of this disease.

Vasculitis: Kids are not just little people

Cutaneous vasculitis, inflammatory destruction of blood vessels, can present with a wide range of clinical and pathologic findings across a number of heterogeneous conditions. Although some vasculitides are present in both children and adults, some important differences exist in clinical presentation, etiology, management, and prognosis in childhood vasculitis versus adult vasculitis. Cutaneous vasculitis is rare in children, and most childhood vasculitides, of which Henoch-Schönlein purpura is the most common, histologically are small vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis. In children, infectious etiologies are more common than in adults. Childhood cutaneous vasculitis is most often self-limited with a good prognosis, and treatment is mainly supportive. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.