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. 2012:2012:982361.
doi: 10.1155/2012/982361. Epub 2012 Dec 30.

Cocaine induced vasculitis: have we found a culprit?

Alfredo Sánchez-Cruz  1 , Sylmarie Marrero, José Betancourt, Myrna Andino, Adolfo Lopez, Jose Gutierrez-Nuñez
Affiliations

Cocaine induced vasculitis: have we found a culprit?

Alfredo Sánchez-Cruz et al. Case Rep Rheumatol. 2012.

Abstract

Cocaine abuse is relatively common in our society. To enhance profitability and acceptability of the product, it is not uncommon for illicit drugs to undergo several processes. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has reported that seventy percent (70%) of cocaine seized at USA borders has been adulterated with levamisole, previously used as chemotherapeutic and immunomodulator for several conditions. Among the side effects of levamisole-adulterated cocaine, necrotizing vasculitis is the more dramatic. We report three cases of necrotizing vasculitis associated with antineutrophils cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) positivity, linked to the use of cocaine. To our knowledge, these are the first cases of cocaine induced vasculitis reported in the Caribbean.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Magnified view of purpuric retiform lesion.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A.intravascular thrombosis B. Perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Almost clinical resolution after 30 days of being cocaine-free.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Necrotic lesions with erythematous base.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Purpuric retiform patches with erythematous borders and necrotic tissue.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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