Disseminated intravascular coagulation and purpura fulminans in a patient with Candida sepsis. Biopsy of purpura fulminans as an aid to diagnosis of systemic Candida infection.

ABSTRACT

Disseminated intravascular coagulation and purpura fulminans developed in association with septicemia and meningitis due to Candida tropicalis in an 18-year-old female immunosuppressed renal allograft recipient. Although systemic Candida infection was initially suspected, blood cultures showed no growth of this organism until after its identification in the dermis of a skin biopsy specimen obtained from the site of purpura fulminans. This case illustrates the association between Candida sepsis and purpura fulminans, and demonstrates the usefulness of skin biopsy of purpura fulminans in the early diagnosis of Candida sepsis.