A case of livedoid vasculopathy associated with factor V Leiden mutation: Successful treatment with oral warfarin

Livedoid vasculopathy is characterized by painful purpuric lesions on the extremities which frequently ulcerate and heal with atrophic scarring. It has been considered to be a vasculitic process but now there has been increasing evidence that abnormal coagulation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of this rare disorder. We report the case of a 19-year-old male who had been suffering from recurrent painful ulcerations on both lower legs with atrophic scars for 4 years. A biopsy specimen revealed vasculopathy, and laboratory studies showed resistance to activated protein C with factor V Leiden mutation. Treatment with oral warfarin led to rapid improvement of the lesions.