What is the diagnosis for a patient presenting with a maculopapular rash of sudden onset, fever, acute ischemic infarct, and anuria (impaired renal function)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 14, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Maculopapular Rash with Sudden Onset at Febrile Patient with Acute Ischaemic Infarct and Anuria

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Vasculitis (e.g., Henoch-Schönlein Purpura or ANCA-associated vasculitis): The combination of a maculopapular rash, fever, acute ischemic infarct, and anuria suggests a systemic vasculitis. These conditions can cause inflammation of blood vessels, leading to ischemic events and renal failure, which aligns with the patient's symptoms.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Infective Endocarditis: This condition can cause fever, rash (including maculopapular types), and embolic events leading to ischemic infarcts. Renal involvement can occur due to emboli or immune complex deposition.
    • Meningococcemia: Although more commonly associated with a petechial or purpuric rash, meningococcemia can present with a maculopapular rash in early stages. It causes fever, can lead to ischemic events due to vasculitis, and may result in renal failure.
    • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): DIC can cause a variety of skin manifestations, including maculopapular rashes, and is associated with thrombotic events (like ischemic infarcts) and renal failure due to microangiopathic changes.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): Although TTP typically presents with a pentad of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal failure, neurological symptoms, and fever, some cases may have atypical presentations. The ischemic infarct and anuria could be part of TTP's clinical spectrum.
    • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Similar to TTP, HUS can cause renal failure and ischemic events. While it's more commonly associated with diarrhea-causing bacteria like E. coli O157:H7, atypical HUS can have a broader range of triggers.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Vascular Complications: This genetic disorder can lead to fragile blood vessels, increasing the risk of ischemic events and potentially causing a rash due to skin fragility. However, it's a less common condition and would be considered only after more likely diagnoses are ruled out.
    • Scurvy: Caused by vitamin C deficiency, scurvy can lead to a variety of symptoms including a rash, poor wound healing, and potentially ischemic events due to vascular fragility. It's rare in developed countries but could be seen in cases of severe malnutrition.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.