Infective Endocarditis Observed With Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is most commonly observed in the setting of hepatitis C infection. However, many other etiologies have been identified as well. We herein report a case of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in a 56-year-old male secondary to infective endocarditis. The patient presented with a five-week history of a painful, purpuric rash and was found to have positive blood cultures, elevated cryoglobulins, and vasculitis on histology. He recovered after treatment with intravenous antibiotics and steroids. Although rarely identified as a cause of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, infective endocarditis must be considered on the differential diagnosis as a delay in treatment can worsen the prognosis for the patient.