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Cocaine-Induced Vasculitis: Clinical and Immunological Spectrum

  • VASCULITIS (LR ESPINOZA, SECTION EDITOR)
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Abstract

Levamisole-contaminated cocaine has recently been recognized in North America and Europe, and its use is associated with a variety of clinical and autoimmune abnormalities. The clinical characteristic seems to be the presence of a painful purpuric skin rash that predominantly affects the ear lobes and cheeks, often accompanied by systemic manifestations including fever, malaise, arthralgias, myalgias, and laboratory abnormalities, for example leukopenia, neutropenia, positive ANA, ANCA, and phospholipid antibodies. Most of these manifestations can be seen with the use of either drug, especially levamisole. There is no specific therapy, and discontinuation of its use is followed by improvement. Prednisone and immunosuppressive therapy may be needed at times. Further use of the drug is characterized by recurrence of most of the complaints.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112-2822, USA

    Luis R. Espinoza & Rodolfo Perez Alamino

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  1. Luis R. Espinoza
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  2. Rodolfo Perez Alamino
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Correspondence to Luis R. Espinoza.

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Espinoza, L.R., Perez Alamino, R. Cocaine-Induced Vasculitis: Clinical and Immunological Spectrum. Curr Rheumatol Rep 14, 532–538 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-012-0283-1

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