Adalimumab in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Livedoid Vasculopathy

• Published in: Cureus Vol. 15; no. 12; p. e50053
• Main Authors: Bhatt, Drishti M, Bhamburkar, Sangeeta, Madke, Bhushan, Jangid, Shivani D, Khan, Arshiya
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2023
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50053

Livedoid vasculopathy is a rare condition affecting the cutaneous vasculature. Patients typically develop bilateral lower limb ulcers that tend to recur and do not heal. Edema, discomfort, and itching are linked to ulcers. The patient's quality of life is negatively impacted by this. Atrophie blanche, a stellate, porcelain-white scar, is typically left behind once these ulcers heal. Livedoid vasculitis, livedo reticularis with ulcerations, atrophie blanche, segmental hyalinizing vasculitis, and painful purpuric ulcers with a reticular pattern on the lower limbs are some of the terminologies used to describe livedoid vasculopathy. This condition has been treated using various techniques, including intravenous immunoglobulins, steroids, anticoagulants, antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, and antiplatelets. Here, we report the case of a 24-year-old male who presented with a red-colored, painful, and itchy lesion over his right calf for one year. He had recurring lesions over his right foot for the past 18 years. He had received multiple treatment courses over 18 years but had no relief. He was treated with eight doses of adalimumab injection (40 mg/0.8 mL) administered subcutaneously at an interval of 15 days. He had near-complete healing of the ulcer and complete remission of symptoms.