Etymed
purpura fulminans
Definition
A severe, life-threatening form of purpura characterized by widespread hemorrhagic lesions and rapid progression
Clinical context
A 16-year-old male presents to the emergency department with rapidly progressive purpuric lesions over his extremities and trunk over the past 6 hours. He reports severe headache and fever, and is found to have hypotension and altered mental status. Laboratory studies reveal thrombocytopenia and elevated INR. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly. The clinical presentation is consistent with purpura fulminans secondary to severe sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Mnemonic
Purpura Fulminans = 'F' for Fever, 'F' for Fulminant, 'F' for Fatal