An unusual case of livedoid and necrotic lesions in a drug addict

Am J Dermatopathol. 2007 Feb;29(1):72-4. doi: 10.1097/01.dad.0000211508.67736.d4.

Abstract

Skin biopsies were performed in a patient with livedoid and necrotic lesions of the forearm. Periodic acid-Schiff-stained and birefringent Maltese cross-patterned foreign bodies were observed in capillary vessels. It was consistent with the diagnosis of intra-arterial injections of a substance containing corn starch. This finding confirmed the clinical diagnosis of intra-arterial injection of solubilized tablets of buprenorphine. This case constitutes a rare clinical presentation of foreign bodies injections in a drug addict.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Buprenorphine / administration & dosage
  • Foreign Bodies / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intra-Arterial / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / pathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / pathology

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Buprenorphine