Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome: report of a case and review of the literature

Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome [AES] is a rare purpuric disorder of women characterized by inflammatory and painful ecchymotic lesions unrelated to blood clotting or vascular abnormalities. Gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, headache or syncopal attacks may also be observed. Our patient is a 33-year-old woman presenting with recurrent severe painful ecchymotic lesions on both lower extremities associated with headache, palpitation and weakness. The diagnosis of AES was confirmed by skin testing with autologous washed red blood cells. No internal bleeding was detected. She was treated with vitamin C with some success