# Development of Palpable Purpura in a Patient With Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A patient with infective endocarditis developed a purpuric rash and kidney issues, which improved with antibiotic treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a possible link between infective endocarditis and cutaneous vasculitis.

## Key findings

- The patient's purpura was consistent with cutaneous vasculitis.
- Symptoms improved with antibiotic treatment for endocarditis.
- The case suggests a possible association between IE and vasculitis.

## Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) can present with a variety of signs and symptoms, including skin lesions. The few papers describing a relationship between IE and vasculitis are split between IE being able to mimic vasculitis and between IE indeed being associated with a vasculitis involving the skin, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, or peripheral nerves. It is important for clinicians to distinguish between an isolated vasculitis, infective endocarditis, and IE-associated vasculitis because the treatments and outcomes are different. We report a case of a patient with a history of intravenous (IV) drug use who initially presented with chest pain, was started on vancomycin following diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) IE, left against medical advice (AMA), and then returned to the hospital due to development of a purpuric rash. We contend that while he did not have a skin biopsy due to time delay, his symmetrically distributed purpura was consistent with cutaneous vasculitis. His symptoms, including his rash and an acute kidney injury (AKI), improved with antibiotics to treat the endocarditis.