Levamisole-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis with Negative Serology in a Cocaine User.

Abstract

Patient: Male, 58Final Diagnosis: Levamisole induced leukocytoclastic vasculitisSymptoms: Arthralgia • skin rashMedication: —Clinical Procedure: Skin biopsySpecialty: RheumatologyObjective:Diagnostic/therapeutic accidentBackground:Levamisole is a common adulterant of cocaine. It can cause agranulocytosis and cutaneous vasculitis that can possibly lead to cutaneous necrosis.In all reported cases of levamisole-induced vasculitis, it has been described as a clinical syndrome characterized by a constellation of typical clinical features and a positive serum serology for ANCA levels, especially very high-titer p-ANCA levels, in the background of cocaine abuse. However, patients may have a negative serology and here, we present the first such case.Case Report:A 58-year-old African American man with a history of polysubstance abuse, 4 days after last cocaine use, presented with sudden onset of painful pruritic rash and polyarthralgias. He was found to have normal vital signs, with bilateral tender knees and erythematous-purplish maculopapular lesions involving the abdomen and the left thigh. Laboratory work-up was significant for elevated CRP, negative c-ANCA, p-ANCA ANA, and RA levels, and a positive urine toxicology for cocaine.Urine analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography was positive for levamisole. Ultimately, a final diagnosis was made by skin biopsy, which revealed findings suggestive of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.Conclusions:Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis can be caused by levamisole, which is used as an adulterant in cocaine. Most cases are associated with positive ANCA levels; however, a negative serology is also a possibility.