title: Digital vasculitis following allergic desensitization treatment.
abstract: Systemic necrotizing vasculitis or a polyarteritis nodosa-like clinical presentation, is an unusual complication of immunotherapy (hyposensitization therapy). We describe a patient who developed features of vasculitis several years after beginning hyposensitization treatment for allergic rhinitis. In the 7 months preceding the onset of the vasculitis he experienced 4 episodes of anaphylaxis immediately after receiving desensitization injections. The vasculitis was characterized by the abrupt onset of pain and discoloration of the middle 3 digits of his right hand. Cyanosis and small areas of frank necrosis of these digits were present. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were elevated and total serum complement was decreased. The development of digital vasculitis following hyposensitization is clearly illustrated in this patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans.
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Citera
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scopelitis
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Espinoza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000628:therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D003165:Complement System Proteins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein