Leucocytoclastic vasculitis induced by prolonged exercise.
Many people develop skin symptoms after long-distance walks, but little is known about the aetiology of these. In this study we took 11 biopsies from 10 long-distance walkers who walked 80 km. All biopsies originated from purpuric lesions on the lower legs, which had appeared during walking. In all 11 specimens, signs of a leucocytoclastic vasculitis were present with leucocytoclasis, exocytosis of erythrocytes and a granulocyte/mononuclear perivascular infiltrate. Immunofluorescence investigations showed deposition of C3c in many specimens and immunoglobulin M in some. The occurrence of a leucocytoclastic vasculitis after prolonged exercise may be explained by the existence of an exercise altered cutaneous microcirculation, complement activation and an altered immune function.
Prins
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Veraart
J C
JC
Vermeulen
A H
AH
Hulsmans
R F
RF
Neumann
H A
HA
D015932:Complement C3c / Q000032:analysis; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D018366:Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D015932:Complement C3c