Is Gardner-Diamond syndrome related to autoimmunity?

Abstract

Gardner and Diamond described a clinical picture of painful ecchymosis in the skin and mucous membranes in four female patients and called this entity Gardner-Diamond syndrome (GDS). At present, the exact pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown. In recent years, it has been advocated that antibodies against phosphatidylserine in erythrocyte stroma may cause immune complex and complement activation, leading to this clinical picture. Herein, we found it appropriate to present a case of multiple ecchymotic lesions diagnosed with GDS followed by many autoimmune diseases to draw attention to autoimmune association. As a result of this case presentation and mini-literature review, we think that autoimmunity patients should not be missed in GDS patients.

Keywords: Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome; Gardner-Diamond syndrome; autoimmunity; systemic lupus erythematosus.

FIGURE 1

(A) Multiple prominent ecchymotic patches on legs. (B) C (check): Check, only injector, P (patient): 0.1 ml venous blood injected area with plasma separated, S (serum): Serum physiological. (C) P (patient): 2×2 cm painful ecchymotic patch in the part where 0.1 ml of venous blood is injected with plasma separated 30 min after injection.