[Severe pustular and polymorphous vasculitis caused by losartan].
BACKGROUND
We report a case of severe pustular vasculitis most probably due to losartan (Cozaar) which is an antihypertensive drug inhibiting the receptors for angiotensin II.


METHODS
A 64-year-old woman, suffering from hypertension, developed a widespread and rapidly evolving bullous and pustular eruption without any other clinical sign. Leucocytoclastic vasculitis and junctional blisters were present with deposits of both IgA and IgG at these sites. Withdrawal of losartan, which was the only drug taken by the patient, and tapered corticotherapy cleared the lesions. The rash left a prominent mottled hyperpigmentation. It did not recur during the following months despite the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.


CONCLUSIONS
So far only a few cutaneous side effects have been reported following losartan intake. This drug was the likely culprit in the present case. Vasculitis was extremely severe and polymorphous.
Piérard Franchimont
C
C
Service de Dermatopathologie, CHU du Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
Henry
F
F
Piérard
G E
GE
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019808:Losartan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018366:Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D019808:Losartan