A 67-Year-Old Male with Diffuse Purpuric Vesicles and Bullae

Abstract

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a small-vessel vasculitis that most commonly affects the postcapillary venules in the skin. It classically presents with purpuric macules that progress to palpable purpura on the bilateral shins 7–10 days after an inciting medication or infection, or in the setting of connective tissue disease, malignancy, or inflammatory bowel disease. Up to 50% of cases have no identifiable cause. Lesions on the buttocks, abdomen, upper extremities, and face are uncommon, as are bullae and ulcers. We present a rare case of bullous LCV manifesting as grouped vesicles on the face and body mimicking varicella-zoster infection.

Keywords

• vasculitis
• leukocytoclastic vasculitis
• purpuric macules