Clinico-Pathological Analysis of Cutaneous Vasculitis

Abstract

Background: To assess the clinical presentation and histological pattern of cutaneous vasculitis Methods: In this descriptive study patients with a clinical diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis were included. Gross examination of the specimens was carried out and recorded. The biopsies were processed in an automatic tissue processor . The paraffin embedding was done in the embedding station . The sections were cut (3-5μm) and stained for haematoxylin and eosin . After the slides were prepared, they were observed under the microscope. All cases regardless of age and gender were included in our study. Results: A total of 37 cases (20 males and 17 females) with age range of 8-80 years were studied. The majority of the patients presented with ulcer of the skin, followed by purpura, nodules, rash and plaques. On histopathology, the patients predominantly had leukocytoclastic vasculitis (27%), followed by cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (10.8%), panniculitis with vasculitis, and lymphocytic vasculitis. A few cases of Churg Strauss Syndrome, Capillaritis and drug induced vasculitis were also seen. Conclusion: Cutaneous vasculitis predominantly presents as ulceration and leukocytoclastic vasculitis is the main histological type. Biopsy definitely helps the exact characterization of vasculitis for further management of the cases.

Keywords

• Capillaritis,
• Granulomatous vasculitis,
• Leukocytoclastic vasculitis