A Rare Presentation of an Overlap Connectivity as Purpura Fulminans: A Case Report
May 2025
in “
The Journal of Rheumatology
”
Studysummary This case report details a 56-year-old woman's diagnosis with an overlapping syndrome of dermatomyositis, systemic lupus, and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome, highlighted by purpura fulminans, treated successfully with immunosuppressants and plasmapheresis. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
This case report describes a 56-year-old woman with purpura fulminans, revealing an overlap syndrome of dermatomyositis, systemic lupus, and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient, who also has diabetes, hypertension, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, presented with inflammatory myopathy, membranous proliferative nephritis, and immune pauci leukocytoclastic vasculitis with microthrombi. After ruling out infections, the diagnosis of an overlapping autoimmune syndrome was made. Treatment with immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, and antithrombotic therapy led to a favorable outcome. The report highlights that purpura fulminans can indicate underlying autoimmune or hematological disorders, not just infections.
