Psychogenic purpura, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and platelet dysfunction in the same patient.

Abstract

A patient whose peculiar and painful purpura seemed to be strongly related to psychogenic factors is described. The skin bleeding pattern in this patient was consistent with the diagnosis of psychogenic purpura (autoerythrocyte sensitization). In addition, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and platelet storage pool deficiency were present. These somatic conditions are considered to be of minor importance in the pathogenesis of this hemorrhagic syndrome. The association of these various types of bleeding disorders in the same patient has not been previously described.