Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis with cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report and literature review

Rheumatol Int. 2006 Oct;26(12):1154-7. doi: 10.1007/s00296-006-0152-1. Epub 2006 Jul 8.

Abstract

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (CLV) is a small-vessel vasculitis localized to the skin. Many possible causes exist for this pathological condition, including drugs, infection, collagen vascular disease, and malignancy. However, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is rarely reported to be associated with CLV. Here, we report a 49-year-old male patient that presented with fever, myalgia, and multiple palpable purpura on both of his legs. The biopsy from the purpura yielded a histologic diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient had several enlarged lymph nodes on his right neck, and the biopsy revealed tuberculous lymphadenitis. There were no signs of vasculitis present in the internal organs. After anti-tuberculosis treatment, his fever declined and the skin purpura were completely resolved. Although incidence is rare, tuberculosis should be considered as a possible cause of CLV.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / microbiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / pathology
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / microbiology*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents