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Streptococcus pneumoniae–induced purpura fulminans in a woman with functional asplenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 March 2015

Jeremy M. Wojtowicz  and
Graham Longden Jones
Jeremy M. Wojtowicz*
Affiliation:
Divisions of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Graham Longden Jones
Affiliation:
Divisions of Respirology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton Street East, HamiltonON L8L 2X2; [email protected]

Abstract

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Purpura fulminans is a rare complication of septic shock, often associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Patients with anatomic or functional asplenia are at increased risk for infection because of impairment of their ability to defend against encapsulated pathogens. We report the case of a previously healthy, unimmunized 33-year-old female with functional asplenia who presented in septic shock and purpura fulminans and died in spite of maximal resuscitative measures. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of purpura fulminans are reviewed. Purpura fulminans is a rare condition that requires early diagnosis and aggressive management by emergency physicians.

Keywords

purpura fulminanssplenectomyStreptococcus pneumoniae
Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , July 2014 , pp. 339 - 342
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2014

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