Study results show cocaine-induced vasculitis is clinically distinct

Clinical manifestations of cocaine-induced vasculitis differed distinctively from non-cocaine induced vasculitis, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.

Of 46 patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis, 22 were cocaine users (ages 26 to 61 years), and 24 patients (ages 17 to 80 years) had no history of cocaine use, diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. Researchers collected laboratory data, pertinent serology, skin biopsies and other diagnostic data for analysis between the two groups.

A higher proportion of abnormalities was seen in myeloperoxidase in 100% of cocaine users vs. 66% of nonusers. Abnormalities in perinuclear ANCA were more also likely to be seen in the patients with cocaine-induced vasculitis (86% vs. 66.7%) and proteinase 3 antibodies (32% vs. 4.2%), according to the researchers.

Skin lesions were more frequent in the group of patients with history of cocaine use (81.8% vs. 33.3%), particularly with regard to facial lesions in women. Pulmonary renal involvement was also seen, along with other complications and higher mortality, in the cocaine use group.

Reference:

Penmetsa S, et al. Paper #1764. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. Nov. 14-19, 2014; Boston.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.