Cocain Related-Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

Cocaine is a substance derived from the leaves of the Erythroxylum coca plant. It stimulates the central nervous system and inhibits serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake. It may cause various dermatological disorders such as retiform purpura, urticaria and vasculitis. We describe here a 42-year-old man with a history of cocaine use who presented with a purpuric rash of 4 weeks in duration on his extremities. The patient was diagnosed as having leukocytoclastic vasculitis according to the histopathological findings and systemic steroids were initiated. We could not find another etiological factor except for cocaine despite extended laboratory examinations. We therefore concluded that leukocytoclastic vasculitis in this patient could be related to his cocaine use. Cocaine usage should be remembered as a rare cause of leukocytoclastic.