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Symmetrical peripheral gangrene and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Insights
Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare condition. This study highlights SPG as a potential skin marker for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), emphasizing early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare clinical syndrome.
- SPG is linked to various underlying medical conditions.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious bleeding disorder.
Abstract:
Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare syndrome associated with a multitude of underlying medical problems. We are adding three cases of SPG to the medical literature, all of which had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Each had an underlying illness that, to our knowledge, has not been previously associated with SPG: Hodgkin's lymphoma, Escherichia coli urinary tract infection with septicemia, and polymyalgia rheumatica. Review of the medical literature shows a high association between SPG and DIC. Symmetrical peripheral gangrene should therefore be considered a cutaneous marker of DIC. Early recognition and treatment of the underlying medical problem and DIC could be lifesaving.