title: How to spot cocaine-induced pseudovasculitis.
abstract: The prevalence of cocaine-induced pseudovasculitis (CIP) causing cutaneous destruction is increasing, and plastic surgeons need to be aware of this condition because they are a part of the multidisciplinary treatment team. Differentiation of CIP from a true autoimmune vasculitis can be exceedingly challenging, and misdiagnosis with ensuing treatment may be fatal. This article is a succinct review of CIP, guided by a clinical case of 30% total body surface area skin necrosis, to familiarize the reader with this syndrome. Diagnostic aids include history of cocaine use, localized disease manifestation to skin or mucosa, discordance of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and target antibody patterns typical for true vasculitis, and testing for antihuman neutrophil elastase and levamisole. Treatment is primarily supportive, and wound care, with regard to dressings and surgery, is a cross between to that of burns and meningococcemia patients.
authors: Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. jlutfy@toh.on.ca
authors: Justyn
authors: J
authors: Lutfy
authors: Marie E
authors: ME
authors: Noland
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Jarmuske
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D001768:Blister / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D011693:Purpura / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003042:Cocaine