Systemic manifestations of Immune Complex Mediated Small Vessel Vasculitides
Can Immune Complex Mediated Small Vessel Vasculitides only involve the skin? Can patients have systemic manifestations?
The answer to both questions is yes. Cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis is classified as single-organ vasculitis when confined to the skin, and many of the conditions can present with isolated cutaneous involvement (Goodpasture syndrome is the exception and is not typically associated with cutaneous disease).
When an IC-mediated SVV is not confined to the skin, it can be associated with systemic symptoms.
Constitutional symptoms including fever, arthralgias, and malaise frequently accompany the appearance of the skin lesions.
Frank arthritis is uncommon. Proteinuria, hematuria, and occasional renal insufficiency can occur.
Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations include abdominal pain and GI bleeding, which can be severe and life-threatening. Other organ involvement is less common.
