# Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: Distinguishing Drug-Induced From Hepatitis C-Related Causes

**Authors:** Charles J DeBiase, Stephen K Stacey, Richard J LaBaere

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.80521 · Cureus · 2025-03-13

## TL;DR

A 34-year-old woman with a complex medical history presented with symptoms suggesting vasculitis, highlighting the challenge of distinguishing between drug-induced and hepatitis C-related causes.

## Contribution

The paper presents a case emphasizing the diagnostic challenge of differentiating drug-induced vasculitis from hepatitis C-related vasculitis.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms were initially suggestive of hepatitis C-related mixed cryoglobulinemia.
- Further evaluation suggested drug-induced vasculitis as the more likely cause.
- The case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation for accurate diagnosis and management.

## Abstract

This report presents the case of a 34-year-old female with chronic cholecystitis and hepatic failure due to alcohol use and hepatitis C. She also has a history of opioid and alcohol use disorders. Frequent hospitalizations for fluid overload culminated in her presentation with lower extremity swelling and palpable purpura. Investigation revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, initially raising concern for mixed cryoglobulinemia from hepatitis C but ultimately more likely due to drug-induced vasculitis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating between hepatitis C-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia and drug-induced vasculitis, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation to guide appropriate management.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cholecystitis (MONDO:0002155), hepatic failure (MONDO:0100192), leukocytoclastic vasculitis (MONDO:0006794), mixed cryoglobulinemia (MONDO:0007407)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** chronic cholecystitis (MESH:D002764), opioid and alcohol use disorders (MESH:D009293), swelling (MESH:D004487), mixed cryoglobulinemia (MESH:C565141), Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis (MESH:C535509), fluid (MESH:D002559), purpura (MESH:D011693), hepatic failure (MESH:D017093), Hepatitis C (MESH:D019698), vasculitis (MESH:D014657)
- **Chemicals:** alcohol (MESH:D000438)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11993270/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11993270