Papi M, Papi C, et al.
The international journal of lower extremity wounds. Date of publication 2016 Mar 1;volume 15(1):6-16.
1. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2016 Mar;15(1):6-16. doi: 10.1177/1534734615621220. Epub
2015 Dec 11.
Vasculitic Ulcers.
Papi M(1), Papi C(2).
Author information:
(1)Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata, IRCCS, Rome, Italy ma.papi57@gmail.com.
(2)University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Vasculitic ulcers are an emerging problem in wound care that needs to be well
defined and adequately approached by caregivers. Cutaneous vasculitis includes
several inflammatory disorders that compromise microvessels and specifically the
cutaneous vascular system: arterioles, capillaries, postcapillary venules. The
pathogenetic role of circulating immunocomplexes and autoantibodies
(antineutrophil antibodies) in these diseases has been widely demonstrated in
animal models and in humans. Vasculitis can be limited to the skin or represent
the cutaneous signs in case of systemic vasculitis with visceral involvement. The
injury of cutaneous microvessels may result in impairment of blood flow and
consequent focal ischemia and formation of skin ulcers. The ulcers are often
multiple and localized on the lower leg and foot where the microcirculatory
anatomy and rheologic dynamics are predisposing factors. Approximately 3% to 5%
of skin ulcers may be caused by a vasculitic disorder.
© The Author(s) 2015.
DOI: 10.1177/1534734615621220
PMID: 26657344 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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