Urticarial vasculitis due to Escherichia coli infection: Literature review and case report

Nguyen Thi Huyen, Do Thuy Hang, Do Thi Dai Trang

Main Article Content

Abstract

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare condition characterized by urticarial skin rashes (red, raised, and swollen patches) lasting more than 24 hours, accompanied by hemorrhagic congestion and bleeding due to inflammation of small blood vessels, leaving hyperpigmented patches upon healing. The etiology can be related to infections, medications, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, or idiopathic causes. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a very rare infectious cause. We report a case of a 7-year-old female presenting with fever, scattered hemorrhagic rash, abdominal pain, acute diarrhea, and joint pain. The patient was diagnosed with urticarial vasculitis - Acute diarrhea due to E. coli and was treated with antibiotics and combined with corticosteroids to manage skin rash and joint pain symptoms. The patient was discharged after 10 days with no complication. Conclusion: Urticarial vasculitis is a rare disease, especially in children. Infection is one of the common cause of vasculitis. Skin biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. The most important treatment for urticarial vasculitis is to treat the cause. Corticosteroids, antihistamines, and NSAIDs are supportive medications that improve recurrent skin symptoms and systemic symptoms.

Article Details

References

1. Miyabe C, Miyabe Y, Miyata R, et al. Pathogens in Vasculitis: Is It Really Idiopathic? JMA J. 2021;4(3):216-224. doi:10.31662/jmaj. 2021-0021
2. Fiorentino DF. Cutaneous vasculitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;48(3):311-340. doi:10.1067/mjd.2003.212
3. Marzano AV, Maronese CA, Genovese G, et al. Urticarial vasculitis: Clinical and laboratory findings with a particular emphasis on differential diagnosis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2022;149(4):1137-1149. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2022.02.007
4. Kulthanan K, Cheepsomsong M, Jiamton S. Urticarial vasculitis: etiologies and clinical course. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2009;27(2-3):95-102.
5. Kolkhir P, Grakhova M, Bonnekoh H, et al. Treatment of urticarial vasculitis: A systematic review. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2019;143(2):458-466. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2018.09.007
6. Nataro JP, Kaper JB. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1998;11(1):142-201. doi:10.1128/CMR.11.1.1 42
7. Holland E, Koskay G, Chu T, et al. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli: trigger for small vessel vasculitis. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 37(4):655-658. doi:10.1080/08998280.2024.2345555
8. Khatri G, Mahajan VK, Raina R. Escherichia coli: an uncommon cause of severe urticarial vasculitis. In: Our Dermatology Online. Vol 6. ; 2015. doi:10.7241/ourd.20153.99
9. Venzor J, Lee WL, Huston DP. Urticarial vasculitis. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2002;23(2):201-216. doi:10.1385/CRIAI:23:2:2 01
10. Koç E, Aksoy B, Tatlıparmak A, et al. Urticarial Vasculitis. In: A Comprehensive Review of Urticaria and Angioedema. IntechOpen; 2017. doi:10.5772/68109
11. Brown NA, Carter JD. Urticarial vasculitis. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2007;9(4):312-319. doi:10.1007/s11926-007-0050-x
12. Davis MDP, Brewer JD. Urticarial vasculitis and hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2004;24(2):183-213, vi. doi:10.1016/j.iac. 2004.01.007
13. Black AK, Lawlor F, Greaves MW. Consensus meeting on the definition of physical urticarias and urticarial vasculitis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1996;21(6):424-426. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1996.tb00146.x
14. Gu SL, Jorizzo JL. Urticarial vasculitis. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(3):290-297. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.01.021