National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Livedoid vasculopathy


Other Names:
Segmental hyalinizing vasculopathy; Livedo vasculitis; Livedoid vasculitis; Segmental hyalinizing vasculopathy; Livedo vasculitis; Livedoid vasculitis; Livedo reticularis with summer ulcerations; Livedo reticularis with winter ulcerations See More
Livedoid vasculopathy is a blood vessel disorder that causes painful ulcers and scarring (atrophie blanche) on the feet and lower legs. These symptoms can persist for months to years and the ulcers often recur. Livedoid vasculopathy lesions appear as painful red or purple marks and spots that may progress to small, tender, irregular ulcers. Symptoms tend to worsen in the winter and summer months, and affect women more often then men. Livedoid vasculopathy may occur alone or in combination with another condition, such as lupus or thrombophilia.[1][2]
Last updated: 9/17/2015
Treatment of livedoid vasculopathy aims to reduce pain, ulceration and scarring. General treatment measures may involve protecting the skin from injury and irritants, removing dead tissue from the ulcers, treating infection with antibiotics, elevating legs, compression therapy, and avoiding smoking and hormonal contraceptives.[1][2] Treatments will also be given to address any co-occurring conditions such as lupus or thrombophilia. Drugs that aim to improve blood flow or prevent blood clotting may also be considered. Examples of these treatments, include:[1][2]

Antiplatelet agents (e.g. aspirin, dipyridamole)
Fibrinolytic agents (e.g. danazol, tissue plasminogen activator)
Anticoagulant agents (e.g. subcutaneous heparin injections, oral warfarin)
Pentoxifylline
Low-dose danazol (200 mg/day orally)
Hyperbaric oxygen
Pulsed intravenous immunoglobulin
Iloprost
Ketanserin
Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy
Niacin (nicotinic acid)
Sulfapyridine
Guanethidine

Currently there are no established guidelines for treatment. Decisions for treatment are made based on the clinicians clinical experience and specific patient characteristics. We strongly recommend that you discuss this information and your treatment options further with a trusted healthcare professional.
Last updated: 9/17/2015

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Livedoid vasculopathy. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Livedoid vasculopathy. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

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  1. Livedoid vasculopathy. DermNet New Zealand Trust. http://dermnetnz.org/vascular/livedoid-vasculitis.html. Accessed 9/17/2015.
  2. Davus MDP. Livedoid vasculopathy. In: Hunder GG, Callen J. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; May 20, 2013; Accessed 9/17/2015.