Small vessel vasculitis of the skin.
Small vessel vasculitis in the skin manifests with palpable purpura on the lower extremities. This clinical presentation prompts a complete physical examination, history, and review of systems, as well as biopsies for routine processing and direct immunofluorescence to confirm the diagnosis. The presence of vasculitis in other organs, associated underlying conditions, and the severity of cutaneous manifestations dictate management. The majority of cases are self-limited, and overall the prognosis is favorable. Still, a subset of patients can have serious complications and chronic or recurrent disease.
Departments of Dermatology and Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: Robert.Micheletti@uphs.upenn.edu.
Robert G
RG
Micheletti
Departments of Dermatology and Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Dermatology and Medicine, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Victoria P
VP
Werth
D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D018366:Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
Cutaneous vasculitis; Henoch-Schonlein purpura; Hypersensitivity vasculitis; IgA vasculitis; Leukocytoclastic vasculitis; Small vessel vasculitis of the skin