Acute haemorrhagic oedema of infancy, a benign variant of leucocytoclastic vasculitis

Acute haemorrhagic oedema of infancy (AHEI) is an acute leucocytoclastic vasculitis affecting infants and young children. It has a striking appearance of large purpuric skin lesions in a target-like pattern and marked oedema mainly on the face, auricles and extremities. In some patients there is mucosal involvement as well. We present five patients with skin lesions characteristic of AHEI with no visceral involvement and complete resolution within 7-14 days. In three of our five cases, histopathological examination was performed, and demonstrated typical leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Although sometimes confused with Schonlein-Henoch purpura, we suggest that AHEI should be regarded as a separate entity. Clinical criteria for diagnosis are proposed.