Cutaneous IgA-associated vasculitis induced by alcohol.
A patient with elevated levels of serum IgA developed purpuric lesions histologically resembling Henoch-Schönlein purpura brought on by consuming alcohol. Alcohol challenge with 5 units of alcohol reproduced the lesions, with a rapid rise of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells followed by a fall of serum IgA and C3 concentration. The skin lesions and serum abnormalities resolved spontaneously within 6 weeks of the alcohol challenge.
Chua
I C
IC
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK. cichua@hotmail.com
Aldridge
C R
CR
Finlay
A Y
AY
Williams
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis*; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D000431:Ethanol