|
| Fig. 15.1 Leukoclastic vasculitis secondary to ampicillin. Typical lesions of palpable purpura are seen. |
Patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, also referred to as leukocytoclastic angiitis and allergic or necrotizing vasculitis, present with characteristic purpuric papules, most frequently involving the extremities, known as palpable purpura (Fig. 15-1). Biopsies of cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis demonstrate an intense perivascular infiltrate composed of intact and fragmented neutrophils (nuclear dust) that focally infiltrate the vessel wall producing fibrinoid changes and/or necrosis. These damaged vessels frequently demonstrate extravasation of erythrocytes and may also demonstrate thrombosis.
Kluger N, Francès C: Cutaneous vasculitis and their differential diagnoses,
Clin Exp Rheumatol 27(1 Suppl 52):S124–S138, 2009.
