Leucocytoclastic vasculitis as a late complication of clopidogrel therapy

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jan 17:2013:bcr2012007861. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007861.

Abstract

We describe a case of leucocytoclastic vasculitis manifested as exanthematous rash in a 57-year-old woman on long-term therapy with clopidogrel. The diagnosis was confirmed by skin biopsy. The patient was managed symptomatically with oral antihistaminics and topical steroids in consultation with dermatologists. Clopidogrel therapy was discontinued on suspicion of drug-induced vasculitis. The rash resolved completely within 2 weeks of withdrawal of clopidogrel, satisfying criteria for a probable adverse drug reaction. Leucocytoclastic vasculitis is an unusual adverse effect of clopidogrel therapy and even rarer as a late complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angina, Stable / drug therapy
  • Biopsy
  • Clopidogrel
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Ticlopidine / adverse effects
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ticlopidine / therapeutic use
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / diagnosis

Substances

  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists
  • Clopidogrel
  • Ticlopidine