Bilataral peripheral gangrene following malaria parasitaemia at Butare University Hospital - a case report

Abstract

In many parts of the East African region malaria is endemic, while in other parts it is hyper-endemic. While all the four species of the plasmodium parasite (vivax, ovale, malaria& falciparum), are prevalent in E Africa, it is the Plasmodium falciparum that is most aggressive and rampant. In this region malaria is still by far among the top three disease burdens accounting for high morbidity and mortality rates across all age groups. Whereas there are many complications associated with severe malaria, peripheral gangrene leading to amputation of limbs is so rare and unbelievable. The following is a summarized report of two cases with bilateral peripheral gangrene seen at Butare University Teaching Hospital, following severe malaria between August and October 2015. In both cases several investigations were carried out to rule out other possible causes of limb ischemia and gangrene.

Keywords: Peripheral gangrene; Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia; Amputation