CUTANEOUS SMALL-VESSEL VASCULITIS

Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis (CSVV) refers to a group of disorder s usually characterized by palpable purpura; it is caused by leukocyto clastic vasculitis of postcapillary venules. CSVV can be idiopathic or can be associated with a drug, infection, or underlying systemic dise ase. Initially, the pathogenesis of CSVV is immune complex related, bu t in its later stages different pathogenetic mechanisms may intensify the reaction and lymphocytes may predominate in the infiltrate. Cure r equires elimination of the cause tie, drugs, chemicals, infections, fo od allergens) when possible, as well as therapy with nonsteroidal anti inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, dapsone, potassium iodide, fibri nolytic agents, aminocaproic acid, immunosuppressive agents tie, cyclo phosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine) or even monoclo nal antibodies, depending on disease severity.