Symmetric peripheral gangrene in a child with plasmodium falciparum malaria and sepsis: A case report

Abstract

Symmetric peripheral gangrene is a rare clinical syndrome manifesting with bilateral distal ischemic injury leading to gangrene in the absence of large vessel obstruction or vasculitis. Factors responsible for symmetric peripheral gangrene are many and it usually follows diseases like malaria. We reported a 6 year female child presented with fever, chills and leg swelling and admitted with the diagnosis of severe falciparum malaria, cellulitis and sepsis. On third day, she developed symmetric peripheral gangrene of lower extremities. It needs high index of suspicion to detect symmetric peripheral gangrene early and to offer early prompt treatment of underlying causes.