Unraveling acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy in the COVID-19 era: Insights from a tribal area in Jharkhand

Abstract

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a benign and rare presentation of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that usually affects children between 4 months and 24 months of age. It is characterized by purpuric and ecchymotic lesions that mainly involve the distal extremities, the face, and the ears. It usually follows some viral or bacterial infection. Here, we report a case of a 25-month-old male child who presented with mild grade fever and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Subsequently, he developed progressive purpuric and ecchymotic lesions over his body, mainly on his lower limbs and face. Laboratory tests were done, showing elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate with rest of normal results. In view of patients having respiratory symptoms, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of a nasopharyngeal swab for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was done, which came out to be positive. The baby received supportive care only. He gradually improved and was discharged successfully. AHEI may be a possible after effect of COVID-19 infection.