Purpuric drug eruption without leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with vancomycin

Abstract

Vancomycin (VCM) has been reported to elicit adverse cutaneous drug reactions. However, VCM-associated purpuric drug eruption has not been reported yet, except leukocytoclastic vasculitis. A 16-year-old Japanese girl was admitted with a respiratory infection. We initiated intravenous administration of VCM. After the start of treatment, impalpable purpuric eruption appeared on her trunk. The eruption gradually extended to her neck, legs, and arms. Skin biopsy showed vasculitis with lymphocyte infiltration in the superficial dermis. A drug lymphocyte stimulation test yielded positive results for VCM. Her cutaneous symptoms rapidly reversed after the withdrawal of VCM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of VCM-associated purpuric drug eruption, which differs from leukocytoclastic vasculitis. We recommend that VCM-associated purpuric drug eruption should be considered in the differential diagnosis during the administration of VCM, and a drug lymphocyte stimulation test may be useful for assessment of pathogenesis.

The Many Faces of Purpura: Vancomycin-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

“…Common and well-recognized side effects of vancomycin include red man syndrome, ototoxicity, and nephrotoxicity among others [ 7 ]. While LCV due to vancomycin has been previously reported, it remains very rare [ 8 – 12 ].…”