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Purpura Fulminans Secondary to Rickettsial Infection: A Case Report
Siddanagouda Biradar1, Renuka Holyachi2, Deepak K Kadeli3
1Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Shri B.M. Patil Medical College , Bijapur, Karnataka, India .
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|December 18, 2015
Summary
Purpura fulminans, a severe condition causing skin necrosis, can arise from rickettsial infections. This case highlights its occurrence in a 60-year-old male with disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Purpura fulminans is a rare, acute, and life-threatening disorder.
- It involves extensive cutaneous hemorrhages, necrosis, and dermal vascular thrombosis.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a key underlying mechanism.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male presented with characteristic purpuric lesions on limbs.
- The patient exhibited signs of consumption coagulopathy.
- Rickettsial infection was identified as the preceding cause.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with purpura fulminans secondary to rickettsial infection.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation was confirmed as a complication.
- Treatment involved supportive care with platelet and coagulation factor replacement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing rickettsial infections as a potential trigger for purpura fulminans.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of DIC are crucial for patient outcomes.
- Early antibiotic treatment, including doxycycline, is vital in rickettsial infections to prevent severe complications.
