ABSTRACT
The term small vessel vasculitis (SVV) can be used to describe a range of disorders all characterized by microvas cular inflammation occurring in the skin and, often, in other organs as well. It is also called ‘leucocytoclastic vasculitis’ (indicating the histopathological changes) and ‘hypersensitivity vasculitis’ (indicating the allergic nature of some cases). SVV may occur as a purely cutaneous problem, however examination and investigation to exclude systemic involve ment is mandatory. Disorders which may be accompanied by cutaneous SVV are: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (plus gastrointestinal, renal, and joint involve - ment); systemic vasculitides (e.g. microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome); systemic infections (e.g. Meningococcus, Streptococcus, hepatitis B); connective tissue disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythema tosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis); drug allergy; type II and III mixed cryoglobulinaemia (caused by hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV infections, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus); internal malignancy.
