Levamisole-induced and COVID-19-induced retiform purpura: two overlapping, emerging clinical syndromes

Abstract

Levamisole exposure in cocaine users is a well-recognized cause of retiform purpura, a distinctive net-like maculopapular patch. Prolonged exposure to levamisole can lead to a serious systemic syndrome known as levamisole-induced vasculitis, most commonly involving the kidneys and lungs. More recently, retiform purpura has been observed in patients with the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Due to their overlapping dermatologic and systemic manifestations, levamisole-induced and COVID-19-induced retiform purpura may mimic one another in clinical presentation. The possibility that patients may present with one or both syndromes creates a diagnostic challenge. This review of levamisole-induced and COVID-19-induced retiform purpura highlights their corresponding and distinctive features. Additionally, we propose a unique staging system for levamisole-induced retiform purpura that may be valid for future classification of COVID-19-induced retiform purpura.