Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis with concurrent colitis of uncertain aetiology.

Abstract

This case presents a female in her 20s with biopsy-confirmed cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) and significant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, manifesting as recurrent rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and maculopapular rash. The patient's symptoms emerged shortly after treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin for tonsillitis. Investigations revealed left-sided colitis with distinctive endoscopic findings. Skin biopsy confirmed cutaneous LCV; however, colonic biopsies demonstrated non-specific inflammation without histological evidence of vasculitis. Therefore, GI vasculitic involvement could not be confirmed. Negative autoimmune serology excluded primary autoimmune disorders. Following treatment with prednisolone and mesalazine, the patient's symptoms resolved and she showed sustained improvement. While clinical improvement occurred after corticosteroid therapy, this response is non-specific and does not confirm GI vasculitis. Given the absence of vasculitic features on GI histology, the relationship between cutaneous LCV and colitis in this case remains associative rather than proven. This case underscores the importance of diagnostic caution when extracutaneous manifestations are suspected in LCV.