What is leukocytoclastic vasculitis?

This term is histologically descriptive of a group of diseases that cause acute neutrophilic inflammation and damage to the small vessels of the dermis. This damage can occur without apparent underlying etiology or as a cutaneous manifestation of a systemic disease, such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, SLE, or cryoglobulinemia. The eruption typically consists of “palpable purpura,” varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, mainly on the lower extremities. The cutaneous lesions of this group of diseases usually resolve without sequelae, but the internal organ involvement can be severe. The differential diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis should include infections that cause palpable purpura, such as meningococcemia.