Symmetrical peripheral gangrene in sepsis after treatment with inotropes.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is characterized by sudden onset of peripheral, frequently symmetrical, gangrene in the absence of major vascular occlusive disease. We report a case of four limb SPG caused by septic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) that had been treated with inotropes. This case shows that SPG may be present as a complication of sepsis due to systematic derangement that affects a wide range of organ systems, including coagulation and microcirculation. Early recognition and prompt management of sepsis and optimization of the process of weaning off the inotropes at the earliest opportunity are necessary to avoid SPG.