Pigmented purpuric dermatosis and hepatitis profile: a report on 10 patients

Background Pigmented purpuric dermatosis comprises a group of vascular disorders of unknown etiology. Histologically, it is characterized by lymphocytic capillaritis in the papillary dermis. Although leukocytoclastic vasculitis confined to the skin is frequently reported with hepatitis C, lymphocytic vasculitis is rarely reported. Methods Ten patients with pigmented purpuric dermatosis were studied clinically and histopathologically. Hepatitis profile was carried out in all of the patients to evaluate the possible relation. Results Of the 10 patients, five tested positive for hepatitis C and two for hepatitis B antibodies. Conclusion Hepatitis C and B virus may play a role in the pathogenesis of pigmented purpuric dermatosis. Further case-control studies are necessary to confirm this conclusion.