Journal List > Korean J Hematol > v.42(1) > 1032761

Korean J Hematol. 2007 Mar;42(1):48-52. Korean.
Published online March 31, 2007.  https://doi.org/10.5045/kjh.2007.42.1.48
Copyright © 2007 Korean Society of Hematology; Korean Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation; Korean Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology; Korean Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis
A Case of Autoerythrocyte Sensitization Syndrome in an Adult Male
Ho Sik Shin, M.D.,1 Chan Ho Park, M.D.,1 Chan Woo Lee, M.D.,2 Ho Jun Je, M.D.,3 Hun Dae Kang, M.D.,4 and Sang Hark Lee, M.D.5
1Department of Internal Medicine, The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, Busan, Korea.
2Department of Dermatology, The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, Busan, Korea.
3Department of Psychiatry, The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, Busan, Korea.
4Department of Surgery, The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, Busan, Korea.
5Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, Busan, Korea.

Correspondence to: Ho Sik Shin, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, San 47-3, Jwa-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan 612-030, Korea. Tel: +82-51-701-9147, Fax: +82-51-703-9147, Email: danieljoseph@hanmail.net
Received November 28, 2006; Revised December 11, 2006; Accepted January 03, 2007.

Abstract

Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome (Gardner-Diamond syndrome), also known as painful bruising syndrome or psychogenic purpura, is characterized by sudden and spontaneous painful bruising and swelling on both extremities, and is a psychologically induced painful bruising condition. The exact etiology of the syndrome is an enigma, even today. It occurs primarily in young to middle-aged women who usually have psychogenic disorders. A diagnosis of this syndrome is made on the basis of the clinical history, dermatological examination complemented by a positive autoerythrocyte sensitization test, psychiatric evaluation and the absence of any organic cause. We present a 20-year-old man with characteristic features of this syndrome, who had a positive autoerythrocyte sensitization test. To our knowledge, this is the first case in an adult male reported in the Korean literature.

Keywords: Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome; Gardner-Diamond syndrome; Painful bruising syndrome; Psychogenic purpura

Figures


 Fig. 1
Spontaneously developed ecchymoses over the lower leg.
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Fig. 2
Autoerythrocyte sensitization test at 4th day.
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Tables


 Table 1
Results of investigation
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Table 2
Commonly associated complaints in autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome
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Table 3
Agents associated with positive intradermal response
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Table 4
Reported treatments for autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome
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References
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