Capillaritis associated with interferon-alfa treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Nov;43(5 Pt 2):937-8. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2000.100535.

Abstract

We report the case of a 36-year-old man who was referred with an asymptomatic eruption that started on both lower legs. This started shortly after being commenced on interferon-alfa for chronic hepatitis secondary to hepatitis C. Clinically, the eruption was consistent with a capillaritis (pigmented purpuric dermatosis). Histology confirmed this to be lymphocytic vasculitis. Lymphocytic vasculitis is frequently identified in the salivary glands of patients who are hepatitis C positive. Although leukocytoclastic vasculitis confined to the skin is frequently reported with hepatitis C, lymphocytic vasculitis is rarely reported. We consider that the lymphocytic vasculitis in our patient occurred as a result of interferon-alfa treatment because of the strong temporal relationship between the onset of the skin eruption and drug therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Histiocytes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / pathology
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha