title: Unilateral lower leg purpura.
abstract: We present a case of an extensive, purpuric eruption on the lower leg with peculiar clinical findings in 55-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis. The purpuric lesions were present unilaterally on the left lower leg, where prominent varices and telangiectasia were noted. Histological examination revealed a perivascular infiltration of lymphocytic cells and eosinophils and extravasation of erythrocytes in the upper and middle dermis. There was no evidence of vasculitis. The eruption responded well to treatment with hemostatic agents and elastic stockings. Based on the clinical and histological findings, we concluded that the main pathophysiology of the purpuric eruption is an extravasation of erythrocytes related to increased venous pressure secondary to venous stasis.
authors: Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
authors: Satoshi
authors: S
authors: Ogawa
authors: Masahiro
authors: M
authors: Oka
authors: Makoto
authors: M
authors: Kunisada
authors: Chikako
authors: C
authors: Nishigori
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology*; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000150:complications*