Abstract

LOPEZ DE MATURANA L, Donaldo; AMARO B, Patricio; SEGOVIA G, Laura  and  BALESTRINI D, Claudia. Clinical features of 32 patients with cutaneous small vessel vasculitis. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2004, vol.132, n.2, pp. 165-170. ISSN 0034-9887.  doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872004000200005.

Background: The skin is a common target of small vessel vasculitis, with a wide assortment of pathological changes. This condition is usually associated to systemic diseases. Aim: To report the clinical and pathological features of patients with cutaneous small vessel vasculitis. Material and methods: A retrospective review of 32 patients with a pathological diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis. Results: Seventy two percent of patients were women. Cutaneous lesions were mainly located in the lower limbs (94%). The most common lesion was palpable purpura (62%). Connective tissue diseases and systemic vasculitis were the most commonly associated systemic diseases. Conclusions: Palpable purpura is the most common manifestation of cutaneous small vessel vasculitis, that is usually associated to connective tissue diseases or systemic vasculitis (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 165-70)

Keywords : Connective tissue diseases; Purpura; Vasculitis.