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

Lymphocytic vasculitis

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I have just been diagnosed with lymphocytic vasculitis. What causes this condition? What are the symptoms? Could this be a chronic debilitating condition?

The following information may help to address your question:


What is lymphocytic vasculitis?

Lymphocytic vasculitis is one of several skin conditions which are collectively referred to as cutaneous vasculitis. In lymphocytic vasculitis, white blood cells (lymphocytes) cause damage to blood vessels in the skin. This condition is thought to be caused by a number of factors, but the exact cause of most cases is not known. This disease can present with a variety of symptoms, depending on the size, location, and severity of the affected area. In a minority of patients, cutaneous vasculitis can be part of a more severe vasculitis affecting other organs in the body - this is known as systemic vasculitis.[1][2]
Last updated: 11/13/2014

What causes lymphocytic vasculitis?

Lymphocytic vasculitis is thought to be caused by a number of different factors, such as infection, trauma, drug reaction, or an underlying condition such as arthritis.[2]  Because this condition is rare and not yet well understood, it is believed that a full list of possible causes has yet to be assembled.[3]
Last updated: 11/13/2014

What are the symptoms of lymphocytic vasculitis?

Lymphocytic vasculitis can cause a number of different symptoms.  Hives, red or purplish discolored patches, a bump (nodule), or an open sore (ulcer) have all been described as symptoms of this condition.  The size, location, and severity of symptoms varies widely among affected individuals.  Additional symptoms may occur if the vasculitis also affects internal organs; this is known as systemic vasculitis.  The symptoms of systemic vasculitis depend on which organs are affected and to what degree.[2]

Last updated: 11/13/2014

What is the prognosis for lymphocytic vasculitis?

The prognosis of lymphocytic vasculitis depends on the extent and severity of the disease.  In most cases, lymphocytic vasculitis affects only the skin and may be a mild, benign condition that eventually heals.  One study found that the skin findings lasted an average of two and a half years.[2]  However, a minority of individuals with this condition may progress to systemic vasculitis such that the damage to the blood vessels affects internal organs.  This suggests a less favorable outlook that could result in a chronic, debilitating condition; the severity of systemic vasculitis depends on which organs are affected.  [2]
Last updated: 11/13/2014

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

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GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Cutaneous Vasculitis. DermNet NZ. September 2014; http://dermnetnz.org/vascular/vasculitis.html. Accessed 11/13/2014.
  2. Carlson JA, Ng BT, Chen KR. Cutaneous vasculitis update: diagnostic criteria, classification, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, evaluation and prognosis. The American Journal of Dermatopathology. 2005; 27(6):504-528. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16314707. Accessed 11/13/2014.
  3. Carlson JA, Chen KR. Cutaneous vasculitis update: neutrophilic muscular vessel and eosinophilic, granulomatous, and lymphocytic vasculitis syndromes. The American Journal of Dermatopathology. 2007; 29(1):32-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17284960. Accessed 11/13/2014.