Leukocytoclastic vasculitis after pneumococcal pneumonia in an elderly adult

Intern Med. 2007;46(8):487-90. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6295. Epub 2007 Apr 17.

Abstract

Hypersensitivity vasculitis (HSV) has been used to describe several forms of vasculitis of small blood vessels, including Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), mixed cryoglobulinemia, and allergic vasculitis, etc. HSP is a disease occasionally seen in childhood, and is characterized by dermatological and abdominal symptoms. Here, we report a rare case of HSV which showed a clinical course similar to HSP after pneumococcal pneumonia in an elderly adult. Generally, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen in adult community-acquired pneumonia. Therefore, it is critical to recognize HSV as one of the important complications after bacterial infection, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / etiology*