The Cold Truth About This Rash

A 67-year-old man with CLL presents with a painful, Cold-induced rash. Explore the diagnosis of this purpuric vasculitis with low complement levels.

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis


A 67-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presented with a painful rash. On physical examination, there was purple discoloration of the ear along with livedoid skin changes on the cheek and purpura on both calves. A skin biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Laboratory testing was notable for a low complement 4 level. What is the most likely diagnosis?

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Behçet’s disease
Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Leukemia cutis
Microscopic polyangiitis

CLL, Cold-induced rash, Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, Purpura, Vasculitis

Leave a Comment