PTU-associated cutaneous vasculitis with ANCA anti-MPO and anti-PR3 antibodies

Neth J Med. 2003 Sep;61(9):296-9.

Abstract

A 36-year-old woman presented at our clinic with symmetrical, tender, palpable purpuric lesions on her lower legs and buttocks after restarting PTU therapy for relapsing Graves' disease. PTU-induced vasculitis was diagnosed with remarkable ANCA anti-MPO and anti-PR3 antibody positivity. The purpuric skin lesions resolved immediately after discontinuation of the drug and the ANCA titres lowered. In the presence of activated neutrophils, PTU could induce a high cytotoxity and injure the vessel walls. Treatment of choice is discontinuation of the drug. Sometimes more aggressive therapy as cyclophosphamide or plasmapheresis is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood*
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / blood
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Myeloblastin
  • Propylthiouracil / adverse effects*
  • Purpura / chemically induced
  • Purpura / diagnosis
  • Serine Endopeptidases / immunology*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Propylthiouracil
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • Myeloblastin