Urticarial Vasculitis

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2024 Aug;44(3):483-502. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2024.03.006. Epub 2024 May 19.

Abstract

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent edematous papules and plaques on the skin that last longer than 24 hours, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as joint pain and fever. Unlike common urticaria, this condition involves inflammation of small blood vessels, leading to more severe and long-lasting skin lesions with a tendency to leave a bruiselike appearance. Diagnosis is challenging and may require a skin biopsy. Associated with underlying autoimmune diseases, treatment involves managing symptoms with medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, addressing the immune system's dysfunction, and treating any concurrent autoimmune conditions.

Keywords: Anti-C1q; Autoinflammatory; Complement; IL-1; Purpura; Urticaria; Vasculitis; Wheal.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Urticaria* / diagnosis
  • Urticaria* / etiology
  • Urticaria* / immunology
  • Vasculitis* / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / etiology
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / immunology

Substances

  • Histamine Antagonists