Symmetrical peripheral digital gangrene following severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria-induced disseminated intravascular coagulopathy

Abstract

Symmetrical peripheral digital gangrene following severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria-induced disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Symmetrical peripheral digital gangrene is a life-changing complication, caused by a pro-thrombotic life-threatening disease, such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) secondary to systemic infection. We describe the unusual case of a woman who developed symmetrical peripheral digital gangrene following DIC because of malaria. While initial treatment led to cure of the infection, in this report we describe also the subsequent management of symmetrical peripheral digital gangrene. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.