Last update:

   07-Jul-2019
 

Arch Hellen Med, 37(4), July-August 2019, 553-556

CASE REPORT

Successful resolution of symmetrical digital gangrene associated with vasopressor administration

E. Pantiora,1 E. Kontis,1,3 G. Giokas,2 A. Vezakis,1 G. Fragulidis,1 A. Polydorou,1 G. Polymeneas1
1Second Department of Surgery, "Aretaieio" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
2Intensive Care Unit, "Aretaieio" Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
3Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene, also known as purpura fulminans, is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by bilateral distal vascular impairment leading to gangrene, in the absence of major vascular occlusive disease. The etiology of the condition is multifactorial but symmetrical gangrene of two or more extremities has been associated with the use of vasopressors. We report a case of symmetrical digital gangrene presenting in a female patient after perioperative administration of norepinephrine. This condition is a medical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Our aim is to draw attention to this rare condition and to raise the level of clinical suspicion and improve its management.

Key words: Norepinephrine, Purpura fulminans, Symmetrical peripheral gangrene, Vasopressors.


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