Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a histopathologic descriptor for a prevalent type of small-vessel vasculitis (SVV) that affects arterioles, capillaries, and postcapillary venules. Although the association between vasculitis and malignancy only accounts for <5% of vasculitis cases, it has been recognized as a true paraneoplastic syndrome in several studies. A 57-year-old Filipino male presented with erythematous, nonblanching macules on his lower extremities, which rapidly progressed to violaceous lesions on his trunk, buttocks, and lower extremities. He also reported significant weight loss, decreased appetite, and vomiting. A skin biopsy confirmed LCV. Initially treated for meningococcemia, his condition did not improve. Abdominal imaging revealed an enlarged heterogeneous liver with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and a parenchymal nodule. He was eventually diagnosed with vasculitis secondary to an underlying hepatic malignancy and expired later from multiorgan failure.

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare, chronic leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by erythematous to violaceous plaques and nodules, typically on extensor surfaces like the hands, elbows, and knees. It results from immune complex deposition in blood vessels, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. EED is often associated with infections, autoimmune disorders, or hematologic malignancies, but can also occur idiopathically. Although globally documented, EED is extremely rare in the Philippines, particularly in adolescents, highlighting its significance in local literature.

A 14-year-old Filipino female presented with a 5-month history of asymptomatic, skin-colored papules on her right elbow, gradually spreading to both elbows and knees, with occasional mild pruritus and knee joint pain. Past medical and family history were unremarkable. After temporary relief from an unrecalled cream prescribed by a private dermatologist, she was referred for skin punch biopsy, which revealed spongiotic epidermis with papillary dermal edema, moderate inflammatory infiltrates, eosinophilic inclusion bodies, and nuclear dusts surrounding the blood vessels, consistent with EED. The patient was treated with dapsone 50 mg/day, clobetasol propionate ointment twice daily for two weeks, and cetirizine 10 mg as needed for pruritus, resulting in clinical improvement.

This case highlights the extreme rarity of EED in the Philippines, particularly in adolescents. It emphasizes the need to consider EED in chronic papular eruptions and demonstrates the effectiveness of dapsone and topical steroids in managing the condition. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for preventing disease progression and improving patient outcomes, as seen in this case.

Glycine/analogs & derivatives* ; Humans ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous

No abstract available.
Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous*

Rupture of isolated posterior spinal artery (PSA) aneurysms is a rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that presents unique diagnostic challenges owing to a nuanced clinical presentation. Here, we report on the diagnosis and management of the first known case of an isolated PSA aneurysm in the context of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. A 53-year-old male presented to an outside institution with acute bilateral lower extremity paralysis 9 days after admission for recurrent cellulitis. Early magnetic resonance imaging was read as negative and repeat imaging 15 days after presentation revealed SAH and a compressive spinal subdural hematoma. Angiography identified a PSA aneurysm at T9, as well as other areas suspicious for inflammatory or post-hemorrhagic reactive changes. The patient underwent a multilevel laminectomy for clot evacuation and aneurysm resection to prevent future hemorrhage and to establish a diagnosis. The postoperative course was complicated by medical issues and led to the diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that may have predisposed the patient to aneurysm development. Literature review reveals greater mortality for cervical lesions than thoracolumbar lesions and that the presence of meningitic symptoms portents better functional outcome than symptoms of cord compression. The outcome obtained in this case is consistent with outcomes reported in the literature.
Aneurysm* ; Angiography ; Arteries* ; Cellulitis ; Diagnosis ; Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Lower Extremity ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Paralysis ; Rupture ; Spinal Cord Vascular Diseases ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; Vasculitis* ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous

Systemic vasculitis involving the lung is a rare manifestation of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and secondary vasculitis is considered to have poor prognosis. A 44-year-old man presented with fever and dyspnea of 1 month duration. A chest radiograph revealed bilateral multiple wedge shaped consolidations. In addition, the results of a percutaneous needle biopsy for non-resolving pneumonia were compatible with pulmonary vasculitis. Bone marrow biopsy was performed due to the persistence of unexplained anemia and the patient was diagnosed with MDS. We reported a case of secondary vasculitis presenting as non-resolving pneumonia, later diagnosed as paraneoplastic syndrome of undiagnosed MDS. The cytopenia and vasculitis improved after a short course of glucocorticoid treatment, and there was no recurrence despite the progression of underlying MDS.
Adult ; Anemia ; Biopsy ; Biopsy, Needle ; Bone Marrow ; Dyspnea ; Fever ; Humans ; Lung ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes* ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes ; Pneumonia ; Prognosis ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Recurrence ; Systemic Vasculitis ; Vasculitis* ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous

Acute Disease ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous ; pathology

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors are used widely to treat patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Although various cutaneous reactions can occur as side effects of TNF-alpha inhibitors, systemic vasculitis requiring withdrawal of the agent and immunosuppressive drugs is rare. A 59-year-old male with AS who had been treated with infliximab for 60 months visited us with complaints of palpable purpura on both legs and severe abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed diffuse wall thickening of the proximal jejunum and ileum and a skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). Infliximab was discontinued and systemic steroid therapy at 0.5 mg/kg resulted in prompt resolution of the HSP. Here, we report the first case of HSP in a patient with AS after infliximab treatment.
Abdominal Pain ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biopsy ; Humans ; Ileum ; Jejunum ; Leg ; Male ; Purpura ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; Skin ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; Systemic Vasculitis ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Vasculitis ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is quite rare and underlying risk factors are diverse. We describe that 60-year-old man developed CVT after use of cyclosporine. He had suffered from leukocytoclastic vasculitis and urticarial vasculitis. Initial MR venogram revealed thrombosis in superior sagittal sinus, right transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus with multiple cortical and deep collateral veins. Anticoagulation was started and maintained for one year, then follow up MR venogram was normal. We suggest that cyclosporine might increase a risk of CVT.
Colon, Sigmoid ; Cyclosporine ; Follow-Up Studies ; Risk Factors ; Superior Sagittal Sinus ; Thrombosis ; Vasculitis ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous ; Veins ; Venous Thrombosis

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera(R), Roche), a third-generation erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) is known as a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA). In patients with anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is administered intravenously or subcutaneously. Treatment-related adverse events induced by methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta occurred in 6%. Hypertension, diarrhea and nasopharyngitis were the most commonly reported adverse events. Cutaneous adverse reactions are rarely experienced with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta including maculopapular eruption, facial erythema, and tinea pedis. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta have ever been published in medical literature. Herein, we report on a case of leukocytoclastic vasulitis induced by methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta in a patient with anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
Anemia ; Diarrhea ; Erythema ; Erythropoietin ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Nasopharyngitis ; Polyethylene ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Receptors, Erythropoietin ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Tinea Pedis ; Vasculitis ; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous