Symmetrical peripheral gangrene and tuberculosis: A rare kinship

Abstract

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by ischemic necrosis of 2 or more limbs, without involvement of large vessels. It is often associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and septic shock. Usually caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, tuberculosis as a cause is extremely rare. We present the case of a 46-year-old man, who initially presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis but later developed SPG along with septic shock after his initial visit. The case highlights the progression of this dreaded complication and touches upon recent developments in its etiology as well as pathogenesis.

Keywords

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• limb gangrene
• miliary tuberculosis
• purpura fulminans
• septic shock
• symmetrical peripheral gangrene
• tuberculosis