Annals of Dermatology  1999;11(2):75-77

doi:10.5021/ad.1999.11.2.75

Purpura Fulminans.

Kyoung Ae JANG ; Gwang Jin KOH ; Jee Ho CHOI ; Kyung Jeh SUNG ; Kee Chan MOON ; Jai Kyoung KOH

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Purpura fulminans may be seen in three different clinical settings: (1) in the neonatal period from protein C and S deficiencies, (2) during severe bacterial infections such as “sepsis-associated” purpura fulminans, and (3) during the convalescence of an otherwise benign “preparatory” infectious disease most commonly involving the skin. We report a case of a 20-month-old male child with purpura fulminans as a presenting sign of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). He had suffered from fever of unknown origin for a month. Although purpura fulminans is not a common disorder to dermatologists, the awareness of this disorder may be the clue to diagnose and treat underlying diseases.