Cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis

Definition

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis is a small-vessel vasculitis presenting with palpable purpura and urticarial lesions which predate the purpuric lesions most frequently observed on the legs. Systemic symptoms including fever, cough, hemoptysis, sinusitis, arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hematochezia, paresthesia, weakness, and hematuria may be observed. Skin biopsy reveals exudates rich in neutrophils, endothelial damage, fibrin deposition, and leukocytoclasis in postcapillary venules of small vessels. Cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis can be idiopathic (in up to 50% of cases) or secondary to infections, medications (such as antituberculosis medication), collagen vascular diseases, or neoplasms.

Also known as cutaneous hypersensitivity vasculitis, cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, cutaneous small vessel vasculitis, cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis, hypersensitivity angiitis — per MONDO

Also identified as

• NCIT C122919 per MONDO
• Orphanet 889 per MONDO
• SCTID 718217000 per MONDO
• UMLS C4049638 per MONDO

Affected Organs