Purple Toe Syndrome?
Sudden purple toes + warfarin use?
Clue:
• Livedo reticularis
• AKI
• Eosinophilia
Triggered by anticoagulation in patients with atherosclerosis.
Let’s more discuss about it…
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Clinical Clues:
Abrupt purple discoloration of one or more toes
Warfarin therapy in patients with atherosclerosis
Livedo reticularis (net-like, mottled skin)
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Peripheral eosinophilia
??? Pathophysiology:
Warfarin causes cholesterol embolization by destabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in microembolism in small arteries.
These emboli clog small vessels, particularly in extremities such as toes, resulting in ischemia and discoloration.
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Purple Toe Syndrome is a worrying sign. If you see sudden purple toes with warfarin use, especially with those other clues, it suggests tiny cholesterol blockages.
It’s a serious reminder of anticoagulation’s complex risks for some.
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