Leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus antibodies

The actiopathogenesis of leucocytoclastic vasculitis is still unknown, butrecently hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been suggested as trigger ofautoimmunity. We report a case of a 26-yr-old patient with purpura due toleucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus infection.Laboratory findings showed AST, ALT, gamma GT within normal limits,positive antibodies to HCV (IIF and Riba II) and polymerase chain reactionfor HCV RNA. Anti-nuclear antibodies, IgG and IgM anti- cardiolipinantibodies, anti-platelet antibodies and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmicantibodies with perinuclear pattern were also present. A skin biopsyspecimen of a purpuric lesion showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis with smallvessel thrombosis and perivascular deposition of IgM and fibrinogen onimmunofluorescence study. This case shows a role of HCV in leucocytoclasticvasculitis; it is possible that this HCV can induce autoimmunityindependently of cryoglobulins and liver involvement.