Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa causing refractory skin deformation and pigmentation as sequel

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman presented with prominent and painful livedo reticularis lesions spreading on her upper and lower extremities. Histopathologically, the small- to medium-sized arteries in the deep dermis and subcutis showed necrotizing vasculitis with cellular infiltration, suggesting cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. The serum levels of inflammatory markers normalized with aspirin 100mg/day and prednisolone 10mg/day within 2 months, and there was no other skin or organ involvement over 18 months of follow up. However, serious refractory skin depressions and pigmentation remained after two years of treatment. This suggests the importance of early and aggressive therapy for cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa to prevent unsightly skin sequel, as well as control of disease activity.