Title | Refractory urticarial vasculitis as a complication of ulcerative colitis successfully treated with rituximab. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2011 |
Authors | Swaminath A, Magro CM, Dwyer E |
Journal | J Clin Rheumatol |
Volume | 17 |
Issue | 5 |
Pagination | 281-3 |
Date Published | 2011 Aug |
ISSN | 1536-7355 |
Keywords | Adult, Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived, Antirheumatic Agents, Colitis, Ulcerative, Humans, Immunologic Factors, Male, Rituximab, Treatment Outcome, Urticaria, Vasculitis |
Abstract | Ulcerative colitis can be complicated by the development of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, a cutaneous vasculitis with the potential for systemic involvement. We present a man with a history of ulcerative colitis complicated by end-stage liver disease secondary to sclerosing cholangitis requiring a liver transplant. The patient developed new-onset vasculitis and diarrhea refractory to therapy with standard immunosuppression. He was treated with anti-CD20 therapy with a positive response. The basis of the vasculitis was likely one related to an underlying monoclonal paraprotein with cryoprecitable properties. Treatment with anti-B-cell therapy may be a new treatment option for patients with gammopathy-associated leukocytoclastic vasculitis. |
DOI | 10.1097/RHU.0b013e3182288400 |
Alternate Journal | J Clin Rheumatol |
PubMed ID | 21778903 |
Related Faculty:
Cynthia M. Magro, M.D.