[Necrotizing vasculitis: its manifestation as urticaria].

A case of urticarial vasculitis, a distinct form of necrotizing vasculitis is described. This entity is characterized by a chronic, persistent urticaria with petechiae and the histological features of necrotizing vasculitis. Serum complement is depressed and multisystem involvement can often be found. There is evidence for immune complexes to play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.