Hemorrhagic panniculitis caused by delayed microemboli from intravascular device.

IMPORTANCE

The breakdown of previously inserted intravascular devices can lead to microemboli that can clinically mimic the symptoms of common disorders, such as senile purpura, and have subtle histologic findings. However, device failure can occur gradually and start months after placement. If not identified early, microemboli to noncutaneous sites can cause significant morbidity and mortality.

OBSERVATIONS: A woman in her 70s presented 6 months after a complex aortic aneurysm repair with several large ecchymoses radiating from firm subcutaneous nodules on the buttocks, arms, and thighs. Skin biopsy specimens revealed extensive hemorrhage and a panniculitis with sparse, subtle, intra-arteriole, gray amorphous deposits that, on analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive radiography analysis and infrared spectrometry, were most consistent with a hydrophilic polymer. This type of hydrophilic polymer coats catheters and stents such as those used in aortic aneurysm repair.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This is an unusual case of microemboli from the polymer coating intra-arterial stents starting months after placement and causing a panniculitis. Prior observations show that polymers coating intravascular devices have the potential to break down gradually and long after the device's placement, but clinical consideration for delayed microembolization is underrecognized until catastrophic impairment or death.