Blood, 1955, Vol. 10, No. 7, pp. 675-690.
© 1955 American Society of Hematology, Inc.
Autoerythrocyte Sensitization
A Form of Purpura Producing Painful Bruising Following Autosensitization to Red Blood Cells in Certain Women
FRANK H. GARDNER 1 and
LOUIS K. DIAMOND 1
1 Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, and the
Peter Bent Brigham and Children’s Hospitals, Boston, Mass.
Four patients with purpura who manifested an unusual response to bruising
were studied. This response was characterized by the development of an area
of painful ecchymosis at the site of trauma followed by progressive erythema
and edema. This unusual tissue response was seen only in women. The various
features of the cases suggested an autosensitization by the patients to their
own blood.
Special studies utilizing skin testing procedures indicated an abnormal tissue
response of sensitivity to red blood cells. The factor responsible was present
in the red cell stroma and was not associated with the hemoglobin.
The clinical manifestations and possible therapy are discussed.
This syndrome may represent another example of autosensitization such as
has been speculated for lupus erythematosus, some forms of acquired hemolytic
anemia and of thrombocytopenic purpura, and for an increasing number of disease states.
Submitted on October 5, 1954
Accepted on February 7, 1955
