A case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is one of the known cytokines, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis [1]. Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors are increasingly used for the treatment of rheumatoid diseases. Anti-TNF-α therapy is generally well tolerated. However, there are a growing number of reports of the development of adverse events related to anti-TNF-α agents [2, 3]. A number of cutaneous side effects have been reported with anti-TNF-α therapy, including psoriatic eruption, lupus-like disorders and vasculitis [4]. However, only a few cases of leukocytoclastic vasculitis have been reported and they are rarely related to adalimumab [5–7]