Purpura or bruising

Definition

Purpura is a non-blanchable multifocal purple skin discolouration due to bleeding into the skin and manifested as petechiae (pinpoint foci of intradermal haemorrhage) and ecchymoses (larger areas of intradermal haemorrhage). It has many causes and may be the presenting sign of diseases as diverse as thrombocytopenia, primary amyloidosis, meningococcal septicaemia and scurvy. It will often be accompanied by haemorrhage into the subcutaneous tissues (spontaneous bruising or haematoma).

5 subordinate codes

• EF30Purpura or bruising due to disorders of coagulation
• EF31Traumatic purpura
• Purpura due to disorders of platelets
• 4B4YOther specified diseases of the immune system
• 4B4ZDiseases of the immune system, unspecified

Nearby in Disorders of cutaneous blood or lymphatic vessels

• EF20-EF2ZMalformations involving cutaneous blood vessels
• EF40Vasculitis or capillaritis involving the skin
• EF50-EF5YDermatoses attributable to hyperviscosity or microvascular occlusion
• EF60-EF9YDermatoses resulting from vascular insufficiency
• EG00-EG02Functional vascular disorders of the skin
• Malformations involving cutaneous lymphatic vessels
• Oedema of skin or soft tissues