Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome (Gardner-Diamond syndrome): review of the literature

A review of the literature concerning psychogenic purpura is presented. The diagnosis is usually based on typical anamnestic data, clinical presentation (painful inflammatory skin lesions, which progressed to ecchymoses during the next 24 h) and positive diagnostic tests with intracutaneous injections of 80% solution of washed autologous erythrocytes. No pathological findings of blood coagulation parameters are usually detected. Histopathological evaluations of lesional biopsies revealed non-specific changes. Taking into account the high frequency of psychic disorders and stress dependence of skin symptoms, therapy with psychotropic drugs (according to indications) and psychotherapy are pathogenetically grounded methods of treatment in psychogenic purpura, and should be provided together with symptomatic therapy.