Open AccessLevamisole‐induced occlusive necrotising vasculitis in cocaine abusers: an unusual cause of skin necrosis and neutropenia
Author(s) -
Belfonte Cassius D,
Shanmugam Victoria K,
Kieffer Nicole,
Coker Shodeinde,
Boucree Suelyn,
Kerr Gail
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2012.01027.x
Subject(s) - medicine , levamisole , neutropenia , vasculitis , dermatology , purpura (gastropod) , necrosis , pathology , immunology , surgery , chemotherapy , disease , ecology , biology
We present three cases describing the various skin manifestations of presumed levamisole‐contaminated cocaine use. Antibody‐mediated vasculitis and neutropenia were consistent findings in these cases and repeat exposure resulted in distinct dermatologic complications. This phenomenon of levamisole‐induced vasculitis and neutropenia is being increasingly described and has characteristic wound manifestations that must be recognised and treated early.