Leukocytoclastic vasculitis with features of flagellate purpura: a comparison with flagellate erythema.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a histopathologic term describing a type of small-vessel vasculitis characterized by a predominantly neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate and nuclear debris. Skin involvement is common and can have a heterogeneous clinical presentation. Herein, we describe a 76-year-old woman with no history of chemotherapy or recent mushroom ingestion that presented with focal areas of flagellate purpura secondary to bacteremia. Histopathology revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis and her rash resolved after antibiotic treatment. It is important to distinguish flagellate purpura from a similar condition, flagellate erythema, as they have been reported in association with distinct etiological and histopathological features.