Livedoid vasculopathy: long-term follow-up results following hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Background Livedoid vasculopathy, also known as atrophie blanche, is a recurrentpainful vasculopathy appearing mostly on the lower limbs. Treatment is challeng ing and relapses are frequent.Objectives To analyse the long-term effect and safety of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)therapy in treating livedoid vasculopathy.Methods Twelve patients with active livedoid vasculopathy were included in thisstudy. All patients underwent HBO therapy five times a week. Each week photo graphs were taken and the total dose of analgesics was recorded. Side-effectswere documented and assessed. Recurrence was defined as the presence of skinulceration.Results Of the eight patients who completed the treatment, resumption of ambula tion and reduction of analgesics were achieved at an average of 4Æ9 HBO therapysessions. Leg ulcers in all eight patients healed completely at a mean of 3Æ4 weeks(range 2–5 weeks). Six patients suffered relapses of ulceration and responded toadditional HBO therapy. No significant side-effects were found.Conclusions HBO is a relatively safe, fast and effective method to treat patients withlivedoid vasculopathy.