Hydralazine-associated cutaneous casculitis presenting with aerodigestive tract involvement

• Published in: Cutis (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 99; no. 5; p. E25
• Main Authors: Levin, Laura E, Magro, Cynthia, Horowitz, James, Harp, Joanna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2017
• Subjects: Aged; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic - blood; Antihypertensive Agents - adverse effects; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - blood; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - chemically induced; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - diagnosis; Humans; Hydralazine - adverse effects; Vasculitis - blood; Vasculitis - chemically induced; Vasculitis - diagnosis
• ISSN: 2326-6929

Hydralazine-induced small vessel vasculitis is a rare entity with a limited number of cases reported in the dermatologic literature. A characteristic pattern of acral pseudoembolic vesiculopustules with necrosis and ulceration has been suggested along with involvement of the aerodigestive tract, indicating mucosal involvement is an important feature of this disease. We report the case of a patient with hydralazine-induced vasculitis who exemplified this characteristic presentation associated with severe involvement of the aerodigestive tract and gastrointestinal tract bleeding. In addition to the distinctive clinical presentation, the patient's workup revealed the characteristic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive serologic profile. Increased recognition of the clinical and serological features of hydralazine-induced small vessel vasculitis may lead to earlier recognition of this disease and decreased time to discontinuation of hydralazine when appropriate. Drug withdrawal is the cornerstone of therapy, and depending on the severity of symptoms, additional immunosuppressive treatment such as corticosteroids may be necessary.