LEUKOCYTOCLASTIC VASCULITIS ASSOCIATED WITH PLEURAL TUBERCULOSIS: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a common disease in our setting. It can affect various organs, including the pleura and, on rare occasions, the skin. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation that may represent an immune response secondary to infections such as tuberculosis. Pleural tuberculosis is one of the most frequent extrapulmonary forms of this infection, although its diagnosis is often challenging in the absence of direct bacteriological confirmation. The case presented involves a 21-year-old male patient, with no previous medical history, who seeks medical attention due to exertional dyspnea and right-sided chest pain, with a moderate right pleural effusion. The physicochemical analysis of the pleural fluid shows exudative characteristics and elevated adenosine deaminase activity. During follow-up, the patient develops rapidly appearing, symmetrical, painful, and pruritic skin lesions. A skin biopsy is performed, confirming the diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which, in this case, is interpreted as an immune manifestation secondary to pleural infection. Antituberculous treatment and tapering corticosteroid therapy are indicated, resulting in favorable clinical progression. Although rare, the association between pleural tuberculosis and leukocytoclastic vasculitis has been documented, and early detection allows for proper therapeutic management, control of disease progression, and the prevention of complications.

Keywords: pleural tuberculosis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, adenosine deaminase, skin lesion.