Prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies and cryoglobulinemia in patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Background: Several dermatologic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been described. The association of HCV infection, essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) have been published mainly in case reports.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection and cryoglobulinemia in patients with LV.
Methods: Twenty-five cases of LV were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by means of a third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and cryoglobulins were detected by the precipitation method. Thirty healthy volunteers served as control group.
Results: Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 2/25 patients with LV (8%) and none of the control group. Cryoglobulinemia was detected in 1 patient with LV and none in the control group.
Conclusion: Although no significant difference between patients and the control group was detected, the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in LV patients is as high as 8%. Considering this, it seems reasonable to investigate the presence of HCV in unexplained cases of LV.