The protective effect of brachial plexus palsy in purpura fulminans

Pediatr Neurol. 2001 May;24(5):379-81. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(01)00255-7.

Abstract

Acute infectious purpura fulminans is reported in a 16-month-old male with a history of posttraumatic asplenia and complete left brachial plexus palsy. This patient developed peripheral necrosis of both lower extremities and the right upper extremity, whereas the left upper extremity was completely spared from ischemia and tissue damage. Amputation of four digits on the right hand and debridement of both lower extremities were required. This patient demonstrated the protective effect of a traumatic sympathectomy, which suggests the requirement of an intact sympathetic reflex in the development of purpura fulminans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Arm / blood supply*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / physiopathology*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / surgery
  • Child, Preschool
  • Debridement
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Ischemia / surgery
  • Leg / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Necrosis
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Salmonella Food Poisoning / physiopathology*
  • Salmonella Food Poisoning / surgery
  • Salmonella enteritidis*
  • Sepsis / physiopathology*
  • Sepsis / surgery
  • Splenectomy
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome / surgery