BACKGROUND: Livedoid vasculopathy is an idiopathic, chronic disorder manifested by painful, purpuric macules on the lower extremities that superficially ulcerate, resulting in atrophic, stellate scars with peripheral telangiectasias and hyperpigmentation. OBSERVATIONS: A 50-year-old man presented with recurrent, painful ulcerations on the medial aspect of his malleoli and calves. The clinical presentation, histologic findings, and results of laboratory evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of livedoid vasculopathy in this case. Despite being refractory to treatment with multiple other medications, the lesions responded dramatically to oral warfarin sodium therapy. CONCLUSION: Treatment with warfarin may be a beneficial therapy for patients with livedoid vasculopathy.
BACKGROUND:Livedoid vasculopathy is an idiopathic, chronic disorder manifested by painful, purpuric macules on the lower extremities that superficially ulcerate, resulting in atrophic, stellate scars with peripheral telangiectasias and hyperpigmentation. OBSERVATIONS: A 50-year-old man presented with recurrent, painful ulcerations on the medial aspect of his malleoli and calves. The clinical presentation, histologic findings, and results of laboratory evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of livedoid vasculopathy in this case. Despite being refractory to treatment with multiple other medications, the lesions responded dramatically to oral warfarin sodium therapy. CONCLUSION: Treatment with warfarin may be a beneficial therapy for patients with livedoid vasculopathy.
Authors: Mehmet Agirbasli; Mesut Eren; Fatih Eren; Sheila B Murphy; Zehra A Serdar; Dilek Seckin; Tuba Zara; M Cem Mat; Cuyan Demirkesen; Douglas E Vaughan Journal: J Thromb Thrombolysis Date: 2011-07 Impact factor: 2.300