Autoerythrocyte sensitization worsened by a copper-containing IUD.

Autoerythrocyte sensitization (Gardner-Diamond syndrome) causes painful ecchymoses, and usually occurs in young women. It is rare and of unknown etiology. The young woman in this report probably had the condition beginning at age 14, but the diagnosis was not made until age 19, shortly after a copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD) exacerbated her condition. The ecchymoses disappeared when the IUD was removed, but recurred when replaced. A non-copper IUD caused no ecchymoses. Taping a copper penny to the skin caused a similar rash. It seems that in this woman, the Gardner-Diamond syndrome was markedly worsened by exposure to copper.