Symmetrical peripheral gangrene in a child following severe malaria with concomitant sepsis

Abstract

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a welldocumented but rare clinical syndrome characterized by symmetrical distal ischemic damage  leading to gangrene of two or more sites in the absence of large vessel obstruction or vasculitis. The aetiological factors responsible for SPG are vast and it could follow many common diseases such as malaria. This is a report of a 9month old child who developed symmetric peripheral gangrene following severe malaria (severe anaemia) and sepsis. Gangrene involved the 2nd to the 5thdigits and 3rd and 4thdigits of the left and right hands and all the toes. Autoamputation of the affected digits followed several weeks after discharge and was limited to the distal  interphalangeal joints. There is the need for a high index of suspicion, early detection and prompt management of patients with disorders associated with SPG in order to limit the risk of permanent disability in otherwise treatable diseases.

Key words: peripheral, gangrene, malaria, child