Bilateral infragenicular amputation in an infant with fulminant purpura caused by meningococcemia

The aim of this study is to warn about the evolution of meningococcal infection to sepsis and fulminant purpura which required the amputation of both legs. The case of a 2-year-11-month-old female infant is reported who was referred to the pediatrics emergency department of Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil. The child was admitted to hospital without pulses in the lower extremities and changes in coagulation, thereby limiting any possibility of an surgical intervention involving the limbs. After four days of hospitalization, the distal cyanosis of the legs and feet progressed to necrosis. Bilateral infragenicular amputation was performed on the 26th day of hospitalization. The current case emphasizes the evolution of meningococcemia to bilateral infragenicular amputation. Despite all evolution in science over the last few decades, meningococcemia continues to result in high morbidity and mortality rates.