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Plasmodium falciparum Cerebral Malaria Complicated by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene: Case Report and Review

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Abstract

The case of a 56-year-old female tourist who survived cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria with disseminated intravascular coagulation and symmetrical peripheral gangrene, ultimately requiring amputation of her left-sided fingertips and toes, is reported. While symmetrical peripheral gangrene has been described rarely in Asian, African, and American patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and disseminated intravascular coagulation, no such case has been reported in travelers returning from endemic areas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    M. E. Liechti

  2. Department of Medicine, Limmattal Hospital, Urdorferstrasse 100, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland

    V. Zumsteg & T. Herren

  3. Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland

    C. F. R. Hatz

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  1. M. E. Liechti
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  2. V. Zumsteg
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  3. C. F. R. Hatz
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  4. T. Herren
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Correspondence to T. Herren.

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Liechti, M.E., Zumsteg, V., Hatz, C.F.R. et al. Plasmodium falciparum Cerebral Malaria Complicated by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene: Case Report and Review. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 22, 551–554 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-003-0984-5

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