Auto-erythrocyte sensitisation--the Gardner-Diamond syndrome. A case report

A 34-year-old woman with a 3-year history of easy bruising of unexplained aetiology in anatomical sites consistent with self-infliction is described. Despite major surgery, the patient had never experienced inappropriate bleeding. Owing to psychological instability, the possibility of auto-erythrocyte sensitisation was considered; this was confirmed by subcutaneous injection of autologous red cells and haemolysate, which caused local tenderness and induration. This manifestation of Gardner-Diamond syndrome is unusual and is reported to draw attention to its existence and perhaps thereby avoid unnecessary and costly investigations.