Purpura Fulminans Characteristics

Purpura fulminans is a critical medical condition characterized by fever, extensive purpura (discoloration due to bleeding under the skin), and signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Analysis of Options

• Option 1: Incorrect. While Purpura fulminans involves skin lesions, they are typically hemorrhagic bullae (blisters containing blood) or ecchymoses, not non-hemorrhagic ones.
• Option 2 (Correct Answer B): Correct. This statement accurately describes the classic presentation of Purpura fulminans. The lesions are indeed large ecchymoses (bruise-like areas) often with irregular shapes and borders, indicating significant blood leakage into the skin.
• Option 3: Incorrect. Purpura fulminans is frequently triggered by an underlying infection, such as sepsis from bacteria (e.g., Group A Streptococcus). It is not exclusively an autoimmune disorder and is often associated with infections.
• Option 4: Incorrect. Patients who have had their spleen removed (asplenic) are generally more susceptible to severe infections, including those that can lead to Purpura fulminans. They are not protected; rather, they may be at higher risk.

Key Feature Summary

The defining characteristic of Purpura fulminans among the choices is its presentation as extensive, irregularly shaped ecchymotic skin lesions.

Correct Answer: Option B