Amiodarone-induced cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis: a case report and a review of the literature

Ak T., Algan R. N., Agirgol S., Hascicek S. O., Turkoglu Z.

CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY, vol.41, no.9, pp.2875-2881, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 41 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10067-022-06231-x
  • Journal Name: CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.2875-2881
  • Keywords: Adverse effects, Amiodarone, Leukocytoclastic vasculitis, Skin ulcer, FACTOR-V-LEIDEN, MUTATION, PATHOGENESIS, ASSOCIATION
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Amiodarone can be used in a variety of arrhythmias. Given its widespread use, the probability of clinicians encountering its cutaneous adverse effects is high. A few cases of amiodarone-induced cutaneous vasculitis were reported in the literature, probably because it is underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Indeed, amiodarone-related cutaneous reactions may present a wide range of manifestations and are sometimes difficult to diagnose. Herein, we report a case with a sizeable necrotic ulcer on the left lower leg shortly after amiodarone exposure. A rigorous diagnostic study was performed before concluding the diagnosis of amiodarone-induced cutaneous vasculitis, which showed the histopathological features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The lesion was almost completely healed by the third month of discontinuation of amiodarone. We did a literature search and found seven cases which were reported as leukocytoclastic or lymphocytic vasculitis. We reviewed previous cases and presented our case in comparison to prior cases.