Cutaneous Vasculitis in Rheumatologic Disease: - current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Robert G. Micheletti
Cutaneous vasculitis may be limited to the skin, a manifestation of systemic vasculitis, or a sign of an important underlying disease state. A thorough and systematic approach is required for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of such patients in order to enable appropriate management of the vasculitis and any associated condition. Occasionally, cutaneous vasculitis is a manifestation or presenting sign of connective tissue disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, or another condition. Such patients are at risk for poor outcomes related to systemic manifestations of vasculitis, as well as increased severity of the underlying disease. Recognition of this important subset of patients with skin vasculitis enables appropriate work-up and successful management.