A case of Levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis and cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion a case report

Nicholas A. Zwang, Lisa B.Van Wagner, Shawn Rose

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe a case of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyY positive vasculitis from levamisole-tainted cocaine with concomitant cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions of the palate and nasal septum. The diagnosis was confirmed after extensive clinical, laboratory, pathologic, and radiographic testing. Timely recognition of this clinical entity is critical to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment with potentially harmful cytotoxic agents. Given the high rate of levamisole contamination within the nation's cocaine supply, clinicians should be alerted to this emerging health threat.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)197-200
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Clinical Rheumatology
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Arthritis
  • Cocaine
  • Levamisole
  • Midline destructive lesion
  • Vasculitis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology

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