Cryoglobulinemia and cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus infection is a frequent cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide. Resultant morbidity is significant; chronic liver disease develops in 50% of infected persons. Since serologic testing has become available there have been several reports of cutaneous findings in association with hepatitis C virus infection, including vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, urticaria, and lichen planus. We describe a patient with cryoglobulinemia, chronic cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis C virus infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of the causes of cryoglobulinemia and leukocytoclastic vasculitis.