Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome associated with grief complications.
The clinical presentation of a patient with autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome associated with a complicated grief reaction is reported. A 50-year-old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of painful ecchymotic bruising on the lower extremities which started in 1995 after the sudden death of her son and exacerbated almost every year at approximately the same time her son died as an anniversary reaction. No pathological findings were detected in the laboratory examinations. The diagnosis was confirmed by induction of similar lesions by i.d. injection of the patient's own washed erythrocytes and whole blood. Psychiatric assessment revealed that the patient was depressed, socially introverted, overly defensive and avoidant in interpersonal relationships. Antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy for major depression and grief complications were started with the patient. Having an awareness of this rare condition will assist in the prevention of unnecessary investigations in such cases and will allow early referral for appropriate psychological counseling.
Gundogar
Duru
D
Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey. durugundogar2000@yahoo.com
Yuksel Basak
Pinar
P
Baysal Akkaya
Vahide
V
Akarsu
Ozlem
O
D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome