Cocaine-associated retiform purpura: a C5b-9-mediated microangiopathy syndrome associated with enhanced apoptosis and high levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression.

TitleCocaine-associated retiform purpura: a C5b-9-mediated microangiopathy syndrome associated with enhanced apoptosis and high levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsMagro CM, Wang X
JournalAm J Dermatopathol
Volume35
Issue7
Pagination722-30
Date Published2013 Oct
ISSN1533-0311
KeywordsAdult, Apoptosis, Cocaine, Cocaine-Related Disorders, Complement Membrane Attack Complex, Drug Contamination, Female, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, Levamisole, Middle Aged, Purpura, Syndrome, Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Abstract

Cocaine-associated retiform purpura is a recently described entity characterized by striking hemorrhagic necrosis involving areas of skin associated with administration of cocaine. Levamisole, an adulterant in cocaine, has been suggested as the main culprit pathogenetically. Four cases of cocaine-associated retiform purpura were encountered in the dermatopathology practice of C. M. Magro. The light microscopic findings were correlated with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence studies. All 4 cases showed a very striking thrombotic diathesis associated with intravascular macrophage accumulation. Necrotizing vasculitis was noted in 1 case. Striking intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)/CD54 expression in vessel wall along with endothelial expression of caspase 3 and extensive vascular C5b-9 deposition was observed in all biopsies examined. Cocaine-induced retiform purpura is a C5b-9-mediated microvascular injury associated with enhanced apoptosis and prominent vascular expression of ICAM-1, all of which have been shown in prior in vitro and in vivo murine models to be a direct effect of cocaine metabolic products. Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody and antiphospholipid antibodies are likely the direct sequelae of the proapoptotic microenvironment. The inflammatory vasculitic lesion could reflect the downstream end point reflective of enhanced ICAM-1 expression and the development of antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody. Levamisole likely works synergistically with cocaine in the propagation of this syndromic complex.

DOI10.1097/DAD.0b013e31827eaf0b
Alternate JournalAm J Dermatopathol
PubMed ID23392134
Related Faculty: 
Cynthia M. Magro, M.D. Xuan Wang, M.D., Ph.D.

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