Clinicopathological study of cutaneous vasculitis

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous vasculitis has varied clinical manifestations. It may be idiopathic or associated with a spectrum of underlying conditions. Skin is involved in both small vessel vasculitis and medium vessel vasculitis. Majority of vasculitic cases are relatively benign and self limiting in nature associated with wide spectrum of clinical associations. The histopathological features may help in the confirmation of clinical diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at department of dermatology for a period of two years. Patients clinically diagnosed as cutaneous vasculitis were included in the study. 38 patients with features suggestive of cutaneous vasculitis were included. Detailed history and clinical examination were done and two skin biopsies were taken from each patient for routine histopathology and direct immunofluorescence Results: A Total of 38 patients studied, clinically 27(71.05%) were Leucocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) and 10(26.1%) cases were Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) and one (2.63%) was Urticarial vasculitis. Based on histopathological examination majority 92.1% were diagnosed as leukocytoclastic vasculitis. DIF showed immune reactants in 76.47% of which IgA deposits were commonest in 69.23% followed by C3 in 61.53% and IgG, IgM in 7.69% each. Systemic involvement was seen in 52.63% patients. About 57.89% cases were found to be idiopathic Drugs were implicated in 21.05% cases, infections in 18.42% and connective tissue disorders in 2.63%. Conclusions: Skin biopsy and DIF were in concordance with clinical diagnosis in majority of the cases