Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Following Influenza Vaccination in Older Adults: Report of Bullous Purpura in an Octogenarian after Influenza Vaccine Administration

Abstract

The influenza vaccination is recommended annually for protection against influenza infection. Adults over 65 years of age are especially vulnerable to complications from influenza infection; in addition, they constitute the largest group of influenza vaccination recipients each year. Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis involves inflammation of small vessel walls by neutrophils. An 88-year-old man with a history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who developed bullous cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis 14 days after receiving the influenza vaccine is described and the characteristics of influenza-associated cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis in older individuals are reviewed.