Five consecutive cases of a cutaneous vasculopathy in users of levamisole-adulterated cocaine

J Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Jun;17(4):193-6. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0b013e31820e6822.

Abstract

Five patients with an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated cutaneous vasculopathy secondary to levamisole-adulterated cocaine were prospectively followed up at a single hospital. All patients presented with retiform purpura, with ear involvement being the most characteristic finding. Cocaine metabolites were present on urine toxicology screening, with 2 of 4 of those tested also being positive for levamisole. High-titer polyspecific ANCA and positive antiphospholipid antibody tests were defining laboratory features. Thrombosis and/or leukocytoclastic vasculitis were seen on skin biopsy. Improvement of skin lesions and laboratory findings occurred with cessation of cocaine; however, arthralgias and other complications developed. Levamisole-adulterated cocaine is a cause of a cutaneous vasculopathy associated with characteristic laboratory and clinical features that allow it to be distinguished from classic ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitides. The chronic sequelae of this syndrome and the potential role for immunosuppression are yet to be completely defined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / chemically induced*
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / diagnosis*
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / drug therapy
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / blood
  • Biopsy
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Drug Contamination*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Levamisole / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Prospective Studies
  • Purpura / blood
  • Purpura / chemically induced
  • Purpura / diagnosis
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Levamisole
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Cocaine
  • Prednisone