title: Leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus antibodies.
abstract: The actiopathogenesis of leucocytoclastic vasculitis is still unknown, but recently hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been suggested as trigger of autoimmunity. We report a case of a 26-yr-old patient with purpura due to leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Laboratory findings showed AST, ALT, gamma GT within normal limits, positive antibodies to HCV (IIF and Riba II) and polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA. Anti-nuclear antibodies, IgG and IgM anti-cardiolipin antibodies, anti-platelet antibodies and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with perinuclear pattern were also present. A skin biopsy specimen of a purpuric lesion showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis with small vessel thrombosis and perivascular deposition of IgM and fibrinogen on immunofluorescence study. This case shows a role of HCV in leucocytoclastic vasculitis; it is possible that this HCV can induce autoimmunity independently of cryoglobulins and liver involvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manna
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Todaro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Latteri
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gambassi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Massi
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Grillo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romito
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caputo
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Gasbarrini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D003449:Cryoglobulinemia / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D018366:Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G