Purpura Fulminans, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, Neisseria Meningitidis Infection - DermAtlas

Contributor

Jessica Ghaferi, BS

Diagnosis

purpura fulminans disseminated intravascular coagulation Neisseria meningitidis infection

Body Site

wrist arm elbow hip

Age

62 years

Pigmentation

dark

Organization

confluent grouped, clustered

Color

purple

Morphology

purpura

Pattern

acral (centripetal - extremity predominant) symmetric

Comments

A 62 year-old Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected woman (CD4 494, viral load <400) was evaluated for fever, cough, myalgias, and a diffuse petechial eruption. Despite aggressive treatment with broad spectrum parenteral antibiotics, she developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure. Blood cultures were positive for Neisseria meningitidis. The next day diffuse stellate purpuric patches were noted on the distal extremities followed by necrosis of multiple digits and large areas of skin.

Description

widespread and confluent stellate cutaneous purpura and necrosis

Image Added

3/5/2005 18:06:22

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Other Resources

PubMed Medline Plus Medscape

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