Vasculitis oft the skin after cocaine use

Abstract

A 20-years-old patient presented himself to our emergency room with extensive and extremely painful purpura with necrotizing spots and blisters, especially on the lower extremities, but also on the arms, trunk and ears. There was a pre-existing use of cocaine. Laboratory tests showed increased signs of inflammation as well as an increase in proteinase 3- and myeloperoxidase-ANCA (Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody). In combination with the medical history, the clinical findings, and the laboratory values, vasculitis of the skin after cocaine use was revealed. Under therapy with steroids and cocaine abstinence, there was a regression of the changes. Vasculitis is a serious complication of cocaine use.