Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: A report of two cases

Abstract

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is one of the clinical forms of leukocytoclastic vasculitis seen in children. The condition runs a benign course. We report two male children who presented with upper respiratory tract infection followed by limb swelling and purpuric and ecchymotic lesions on the skin. Skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis in both patients. In both cases, the lesions resolved completely without any sequelae.

Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy in a 9 Months Old Child: A Case Report

“…Several forms of rash can present. This may include purpura, ecchymosis, annular lesions, and cockade or targetoid lesions [8]. Skin eruptions usually follow presence of edema which is non-pitting and tender [9].…”

“…Edema initially starts to affect the palms and feet in asymmetrical manner. Then it can progress to affect the face [8]. It has been noticed that less 10 % of AHEI cases have extracutaneous manifestations which include glomerulonephritis, abdominal pain, arthralgia, testicular torsion, and intussusception [10,11].…”

“…Preceding infections, vaccination and antibiotics use have been reported as triggers for AHEI [12]. Infections that are reported in literature include Rota virus induced gasteroenteritis and other viruses like herpes simplex virus, and adenovirus [8,11,13,14]. It has been found that the average period of AHEI manifestation following triggering event ranges from two days to one month [12,15].…”

A case of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy

“…The clinical features may be confused with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, erythema multiforme, meningococcemia, and septicemia. There is no internal organ involvement, and the disease runs a benign course with spontaneous resolution [2].…”