Year: 2024 | Month: August | Volume: 14 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 447-451
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240851
Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Complicated by Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene - A Case Report
Eleonora Gkigkelou1, Bhavesh Kaswala2, Milercy Fonseca3
1,2,3 Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, United Kingdom.
Corresponding Author: Eleonora Gkigkelou
ABSTRACT
Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene (SPG) is a rare but severe complication associated with malaria, particularly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. We present the case of a 66-year-old male who presented with generalised malaise and mild SOB following recent travel to Sierra Leone. The patient was diagnosed with malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum and initial parasitaemia was 48%. He deteriorated clinically and required ICU admission with multi-organ failure. He was treated with artesunate and riamet, and unfortunately developed rapidly progressing bilateral gangrene of the upper and lower limbs on day 10 of his admission. The patient fully recovered and was discharged from ICU but required bilateral partial foot amputation. This paper reviews the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies of SPG secondary to malaria.
Key words: Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene, Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation