Purpura fulminans (PF) is a severe clinical manifestation of
Neisseria meningitides infection that is associated with high
mortality rates in children. Survivors are frequently left with
debilitating musculoskeletal sequelae. There is a paucity of
reports on the musculoskeletal pathology of purpura
fulminans. We report on a 2-year-old boy with purpura
fulminans due to meningococcemia. The child developed
distal gangrene in both the upper and lower limbs.
Amputations were done for both lower limbs. Histological
examination of the amputated specimens showed an
inflammatory process and features of osteonecrosis. The
latest follow-up at the age of 6 years showed a right knee
valgus due to asymmetrical growth arrest of the proximal
tibia. PF and its complications are challenging to treat and
may require a multidisciplinary approach to improve
patient’s functional ability.