BACKGROUND: The histologic hallmark of most arthropod bite reactions is a deep, wedge-shaped perivascular and interstitial infiltrate comprising lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. METHODS: We present a case series of six patients in whom tick bite reactions, when examined microscopically, were found to mimic mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. RESULTS: Though different in histology, clinically these lesions were indistinguishable from typical tick bite reactions. CONCLUSION: As five of our six biopsy specimens were found to still harbor retained tick parts, it is possible that the actual retention of tick parts was involved in evoking this localized cryoprecipitate reaction.
BACKGROUND: The histologic hallmark of most arthropod bite reactions is a deep, wedge-shaped perivascular and interstitial infiltrate comprising lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. METHODS: We present a case series of six patients in whom tick bite reactions, when examined microscopically, were found to mimic mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. RESULTS: Though different in histology, clinically these lesions were indistinguishable from typical tick bite reactions. CONCLUSION: As five of our six biopsy specimens were found to still harbor retained tick parts, it is possible that the actual retention of tick parts was involved in evoking this localized cryoprecipitate reaction.
Authors: Peter J Krause; Jane M Grant-Kels; Steven R Tahan; Kenneth R Dardick; Francisco Alarcon-Chaidez; Keith Bouchard; Christine Visini; Cindy Deriso; Ivo M Foppa; Stephen Wikel Journal: Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis Date: 2009-12 Impact factor: 2.133