Trauma induced adult purpura fulminans: A case report

Introduction: Purpura fulminans is characterised by sudden and rapid advancement of hematologic and cutaneous manifestations in the form of skin necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation which progresses to multi organ failure resulting in death if left unidentified. Even as neonatal purpura is popularly documented, there is paucity of literature regarding adult purpura fulminans which may occur secondary to sepsis, be an autoimmune response or be of idiopathic origin. Autopsy findings are usually negative. The following case is of a young healthy army man who died suddenly of purpura fuminans consequent to a single lacerated injury sustained to lower limb.

Keywords: Purpura, Purpura fulminans, Adult, Injury, Trauma.