Studies in Autoerythrocyte Sensitization

Abstract

Autoerythrocyte sensitization is a chronic purpuric state featuring spontaneous ecchymoses that have an inflammatory component. It is diagnosed by the absence of known hemostatic defects and the production of typical lesions by the intradermal injection of autologous blood. Four patients with this condition were studied by psychiatric interviewing, psychological testing, and hypnotic techniques. The studies demonstrated a predominance of hysterical and masochistic character traits as well as a propensity to express psychological problems in physical form both through conversion mechanisms and psychophysiological responses. In addition, data from psychiatric interviews suggested a temporal relationship between life stress and disease onset and exacerbations. In the 4 patients described, ecchymotic lesions were apparntly induced in specific locations under the influence of hypnotic suggestion. A possible mechanism to explain this apparent relationship of emotional factors to bleeding exacerbations is discussed.