Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis-Associated Myocarditis as an Extraintestinal Manifestation of Crohn's Disease.

Cardiac extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of Crohn's disease (CD) are uncommon. They include pericarditis, myocarditis, and arrhythmias; however, distinguishing these from alternative causes including medication-related adverse effects is often challenging. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is another uncommon EIM of CD that may present with systemic involvement. We present a rare case of myocarditis associated with leukocytoclastic vasculitis occurring as EIMs of CD. The myocarditis proved refractory to standard therapy and biologics targeting underlying gut inflammation. She developed an inflammatory cardiomyopathy and symptoms consistent with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Anakinra was tried, but despite the initial response, it should be used cautiously in patients with CD.

Cutaneous Small-Vessel Vasculitis Induced by Escitalopram: A Case-Based Brief Review of the Literature.

A 65-year-old male with multiple comorbidities and recently diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease developed upper and lower extremity rash following escitalopram initiation for his depressive mood. Clinical assessment and skin biopsy confirmed cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis (CSVV), prompting drug discontinuation and oral methylprednisolone therapy. The resolution of the rash was achieved within a week. This rare case of CSVV induced by escitalopram highlights the importance of timely recognition and management of drug-induced CSVV and adds to the limited literature on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-associated CSVV.

Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus-Associated Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The association of Staphylococcus aureus with vasculitis remains relatively rare and poorly understood. In this report, we present a case of Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)-associated leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) following a surgical site infection, adding to the limited body of knowledge on this intriguing clinical entity. A 52-year-old male with a medical history significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease presented with progressively worsening generalized petechial rash and migratory joint pains with associated joint swelling. The patient's symptoms began following surgical repair for a rectus abdominis incisional hernia with mesh placement that was complicated by an abdominal wall abscess at the surgical site, prompting drain placement. Cultures from the abscess aspirate revealed Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection. A punch biopsy of the petechial lesions revealed findings consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The rash and joint pains resolved approximately one week after initiation of treatment with antibiotics and steroids. This case sheds light on the rare but clinically significant association between Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, particularly following surgical site infections. The prompt recognition and treatment of underlying MSSA infection, along with the targeted management of LCV, resulted in the resolution of symptoms in our patient. This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach and highlights the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in mitigating MSSA-associated vasculitic manifestations.

Breaking Out of the Hive: A Case Report on Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis Syndrome.

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic urticaria, systemic vasculitis, and hypocomplementemia, posing significant diagnostic challenges due to its overlap with common conditions and varied systemic manifestations. We report the case of a 36-year-old female with a history of post-birth cerebral hemorrhage and seizure disorder, who presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and subtle urticarial lesions. Initial investigations by gastroenterology suggested inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but persistent symptoms and evolving cutaneous signs prompted further evaluation. A skin biopsy demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis, while serological tests showed hypocomplementemia and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), confirming HUVS. The patient's management included high-dose corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, with partial symptom relief. Subsequent introduction of rituximab markedly improved her gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms, highlighting its effectiveness in treating refractory HUVS. This case emphasizes the necessity for vigilance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and personalized treatment adaptations in managing HUVS.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli: trigger for small vessel vasculitis.

We describe the case of a 19-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and a palpable purpuric rash. The patient subsequently developed dysentery and was found to have an infection from Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. The patient also met diagnostic criteria for IgA vasculitis (also known as Henoch Schönlein purpura) but had negative immunofluorescence biopsies of the rash. The patient was treated with steroids and achieved recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of IgA vasculitis in the setting of an enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection. This case highlights an atypical presentation of IgA vasculitis and the need to include small vessel vasculitis as a differential diagnosis when treating patients of all ages.

Infectious Endocarditis Accompanied by Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis.

Bacterial endocarditis is a rare infection that can present with variable clinical manifestations. Rarely, it can present as cutaneous vasculitis characterized by a purpuric rash mimicking immune-mediated vasculitis. There have been a few case reports of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) due to infectious endocarditis. It is important to recognize endocarditis as a potential cause of vasculitis because treatment with immunosuppressive agents can have devastating consequences. We report a case of a 53-year-old male with endocarditis who developed a palpable purpura of the bilateral lower extremities. A skin biopsy was performed, and histopathologic and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated LCV.

Unraveling the Diagnosis of Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis Syndrome.

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a rare condition characterized by immune complex-mediated urticarial lesions with histological features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, low serum complement levels, and is frequently associated with systemic manifestations. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood. We present a patient who presented with abdominal pain and skin rash. Extensive work-up was performed including skin biopsy, and the presence of angioedema, oral ulcers, low complement level, leukocytic vasculitis, and persistent eosinophilia ultimately led to the diagnosis of HUVS. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and differentiating HUVS from other cutaneous diseases, which in turn helps to optimally manage these patients.

Annular Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A New Feature of IgA Vasculitis.

Background: Annular erythema is a rare manifestation of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. It may be associated with various drugs, infections, malignancies, or systemic diseases. Case description: A 36-year-old woman with no personal medical history presented with annular erythema with target lesions and petechial purpura. The patient had fever and joint arthralgia. A skin biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with IgA deposits on direct immunofluorescence. The diagnosis of immunoglobulin A vasculitis with annular leukocytoclastic vasculitis was made. The patient showed global improvement with topical steroids without relapse. Conclusion: An annular variant of leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a rare manifestation of immunoglobulin A vasculitis. LEARNING POINTS: Annular erythema may reveal an IgA vasculitis.Annular leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a rare manifestation of IgA vasculitis.This presentation is treated with topical steroids.

Cutaneous vasculitis: insights into pathogenesis and histopathological features.

The mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of vasculitis remain poorly understood. This condition is characterized by damage to the vascular wall, recruitment of inflammatory cells, and subsequent structural remodeling, which are hallmarks of vasculitis. The histopathological classification of vasculitis relies on the size of the affected vessel and the predominant type of inflammatory cell involved - neutrophils in acute cases, lymphocytes in chronic conditions, and histiocytes in granulomatous forms. Pathological changes progress in every context, and a single vasculitic pattern can be associated with various systemic conditions. Conversely, a single causative agent may lead to multiple distinct clinical and pathological manifestations of vasculitis. Moreover, many cases of vasculitis have no identifiable cause. A foundational understanding of the normal structure of the cutaneous vascular network is crucial. Similarly, identifying the cellular and molecular participants and their roles in forming the "dermal microvascular unit" is propedeutical.This review aims to elucidate the complex mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of vasculitis, offering a comprehensive overview of its histopathological classification, underlying causes, and the significant role of the cutaneous vascular network and cellular dynamics. By integrating the latest insights from studies on NETosis and the implications of lymphocytic infiltration in autoimmune diseases, we seek to bridge gaps in current knowledge and highlight areas for future research. Our discussion extends to the clinical implications of vasculitis, emphasizing the importance of identifying etiological agents and understanding the diverse histopathological manifestations to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

A case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis associated with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage: A case report and case-based review.

A 76-year-old man with bronchial asthma was admitted for respiratory failure and bloody sputum. A significant drop in haemoglobin and multiple consolidations supported clinical diagnosis of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (AH). Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) was positive and urinalysis suggested glomerulonephritis. Based on eosinophilia, sinusitis, peripheral nerve involvement, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, he was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) associated with AH. Our case-based review suggested that male predominance (65%), high positivity for ANCA (88%), and a high frequency of renal involvement (45%) may be characteristic of AH in EGPA. Although AH is rare in EGPA, we should be aware of this life-threatening complication.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Although the concurrent occurrence of vasculitis with AS is uncommon, when patients diagnosed with AS exhibit symptoms including skin petechiae, purpura, abdominal discomfort, malaise, elevated ESR, and reduced complement levels, vigilant monitoring for vasculitis is advisable following the exclusion of secondary vasculitis triggers such as malignancies, infections, and pharmaceutical agents. Abstract: The primary characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) involves inflammation occurring within the sacroiliac joint and the spine, leading to destruction and eventual ankylosis. A notably infrequent complication associated with AS is vasculitis, with limited reports linking AS to vasculitis. This case study documents a 48-year-old male, diagnosed with HLA-B27-positive AS for the past 15 years, who developed abdominal pain and skin lesions following the cessation of his medication on his own. Subsequent clinical evaluations identified leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) related to AS after excluding all other potential causes of LCV, including drug-related sources, cancer, hepatitis B and C viruses, Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), and IgA nephropathy.

Increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea.

PURPOSE: We aimed to show the increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea in patients with immunosuppression. METHODS: We present a case of an invasive fungal infection caused by Volvariella volvacea, and summarize the clinical and pathological features based on this case and a review of the literature. RESULTS: A total of seven patients with IFIs due to Volvariella Volvacea have been reported in the literature. The majority of cases have been obtained between 2019 and 2022. Including our case, they all had acquired immunosuppression. The lung and brain were the most commonly affected organs. All eight of these patients received antifungal therapy, but five still died one to seven months after occurrences of IFIs. CONCLUSION: The incidence of invasive fungal infections due to Volvariella Volvacea is increasing in recent years. It mainly occurred in patients with immunosuppression, especially in patients with malignant hematological cancers, and increased mortality.

An Unusual Case of Apixaban-Induced Small Vessel Vasculitis: Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis.

Apixaban is a rare cause of drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV). We report a case of apixaban-induced LCV in a 55-year-old male with deep vein thrombosis who developed systemic symptoms and pruritic rash in the bilateral lower extremity after 17 days of apixaban therapy. A skin biopsy confirmed the LCV, and he was diagnosed with apixaban-induced LCV after ruling out all other possible causes. His condition improved after apixaban discontinuation, supportive management, and oral prednisone. Our case highlights the early diagnosis and management of drug-induced LCV and also describes the existing literature to highlight existing knowledge and potential mechanisms underlying anticoagulant-induced vasculitis.

Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Localized to the Uterine Cervix.

Patients with gynecologic vasculitis should be evaluated for systemic disease as prognosis and treatment can vary depending on systemic involvement versus isolated disease. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a rare, immune-mediated small-vessel vasculitis. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis of the uterine cervix with systemic involvement has not previously been reported. A 25-year-old female with abnormal cervical cancer screening presented for colposcopy. Biopsies were notable for dysplasia and concurrent leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient later recalled a recurrent rash of her lower extremities, suspicious for systemic disease. Patients with gynecologic vasculitis should be evaluated for systemic involvement because prognosis and treatment differ from that of isolated disease. Additionally, leukocytoclastic vasculitis of the uterine cervix may be associated with both hormonal contraception and infections such as human papillomavirus, and any resulting cervical dysplasia should be monitored for progression and treated accordingly.