Negative Results, Positive Outcome: A Case of Primary Livedoid Vasculopathy With an Elusive Laboratory Workup

Abstract

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic, recurrent thrombotic vasculopathy characterized by painful ulcerations on the lower extremities, which heal slowly and leave atrophic white scars known as “atrophie blanche.” This report presents the case of a 31-year-old woman with a 4-year history of recurrent painful ulcerations on her legs and feet. A skin biopsy revealed findings consistent with LV, and an exhaustive laboratory workup ruled out secondary causes such as thrombophilia, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and peripheral arterial disease. The patient showed remarkable improvement with a treatment regimen of pentoxifylline, nifedipine, and warfarin, resulting in complete ulcer resolution and sustained remission over 5 months. Our case highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach and a multidisciplinary treatment strategy in managing primary LV to achieve remission and prevent recurrence of skin ulcerations.