Micheletti RG, Werth VP, et al.
Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America. Date of publication 2015 Jan 1;volume 41(1):21-32, vii.
1. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015;41(1):21-32, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2014.09.006.
Small vessel vasculitis of the skin.
Micheletti RG(1), Werth VP(2).
Author information:
(1)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.
(2)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.
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.
DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2014.09.006
PMID: 25399937 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
