INFECTIOUS THROMBOTIC VASCULOPATHY

Abstract

Vasculitis is characterized by blood vessel inflammation, resulting in their damage or even complete destruction, and may lead to either ischemic or hemorrhagic presentations. Infection is a common cause of vasculitis, usually by deposition of immune complexes, complement activation and endotoxins. Less often, endocarditis or sepsis, due to embolization and direct invasion, can cause vasculitis. We present a 35 year-old woman, with purpuric and necrotic lesions, showing a relapsing course during several months. Complementary workup revealed cardiac vegetations, which were considered the most likely etiology for cutaneous manifestations. However, based on ethical/ religious concerns, the patient refused surgical treatment and died. This case represents a rare and exuberant clinical presentation of a thrombotic vasculopathy, probably caused by septic embolism from staphylococcal endocarditis.