Cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with oxacillin

Polyxeni Koutkia, Eleftherios Mylonakis, Sharon Rounds, Allan Erickson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

A 67-year-old man who was treated with oxacillin for one week because of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, developed renal failure and diffuse, symmetric, palpable purpuric lesions on his feet. Necrotic blisters were noted on his fingers. Skin biopsies showed findings diagnostic of leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Oxacillin was discontinued and patient was treated with corticosteroids. The rash disappeared after three weeks and renal function returned to normal. Leucocytoclastic vasculitis presents as palpable purpura of the lower extremities often accompanied by abdominal pain, arthralgia, and renal involvement. Etiologic factors or associated disorders include infections, medications, collagen vascular disease and neoplasia. However, in half of the cases no etiologic factor is identified. Usually it is a self-limited disorder, but corticosteroid therapy may be needed in life-threatening cases since early treatment with corticosteroids in severe cases can prevent complications. Oxacillin should be included among the drugs that can cause leucocytoclastic vasculitis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)191-194
Number of pages4
JournalDiagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Bacteremia
  • Leucocytoclastic vasculitis
  • Oxacillin
  • Penicillins
  • Renal failure
  • Vasculitis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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