Symptoms of Immune Complex Mediated Small Vessel Vasculitides
Palpable purpura is the most common primary lesion in cutaneous vasculitis. Typically, hundreds of discrete, subtly palpable, purpuric spots suddenly appear on the feet and lower extremities.
The hands, arms, and other body sites may also be affected. In addition to palpability, the presence of a central necrotic punctum is helpful in distinguishing a purpura of vasculitis from purpuras of other causes.
These lesions are dynamic, often beginning as asymptomatic, nonpalpable, purpuric macules that eventually become palpable.
Some may become nodular, bullous, infarctive, and ulcerative.
Urticarial lesions are the second most common cutaneous presentation. Other cutaneous manifestations include livedo reticularis and erythema multiforme-like lesions.
