Nodular vasculitis associated with propylthiouracil therapy

Cutaneous vasculitis is a rare complication of propylthiouracil therapy. We describe a patient who presented with lower extremity subcutaneous nodules, hemorrhagic bullae, and necrotic ulcers during treatment with this agent. Examination of a skin biopsy specimen revealed nodular vasculitis. This type of vasculitis has not been described in association with propylthiouracil therapy before. Nodular vasculitis not associated with the drug is characterized by a chronic protracted course, whereas in the patient reported the lesions rapidly regressed when use of the drug was discontinued.