Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis of the lower legs

Publication date: Available online 11 April 2017 Source:Reviews in Vascular Medicine Author(s): Massimo Papi Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) are a spectrum of conditions characterized by an angiocentric inflammation mainly limited to the post-capillary venules of the skin. Neutrophils are the predominant cellular effectors of the inflammatory infiltration and destruction of the blood vessels. The most common clinical presentation is palpable purpura of the lower half of the legs but type, site and calibre of the involved vessel district influence the localization and severity of the clinical features that may include urticarial, bullous, nodular and necrotic-ulcerative lesions. CSVV are idiopathic in 50% of cases and associated with drug intake, infections, connective tissue diseases or malignancies. The histological confirm of the diagnosis is mandatory and a laboratory investigation protocol is useful to discriminate skin-limited forms from extracutaneous visceral involvement. Treatment is strictly dependent on the clinical aspects and potential chronicity. First line drugs are colchicine and dapsone in combination with general measures such as leg elevation, warming and rest, but in case of recurrences, systemic involvement or coexistence of associated diseases, immunosuppressive agents may be necessary.
Source: Reviews in Vascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research