A Case of Autoerythrocyte Sensitization Syndrome in an Adult Male

ABSTRACT

Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome (Gardner-Diamond syndrome), also known as painful bruising syndrome or psychogenic purpura, is characterized by sudden and spontaneous painful bruising and swelling on both extremities, and is a psychologically induced painful bruising condition. The exact etiology of the syndrome is an enigma, even today. It occurs primarily in young to middle-aged women who usually have psychogenic disorders. A diagnosis of this syndrome is made on the basis of the clinical history, dermatological examination complemented by a positive autoerythrocyte sensitization test, psychiatric evaluation and the absence of any organic cause. We present a 20-year-old man with characteristic features of this syndrome, who had a positive autoerythrocyte sensitization test. To our knowledge, this is the first case in an adult male reported in the Korean literature.