[Purpura fulminans and coxsackie B2 co-infection].

INTRODUCTION

During septic shock in children, myocardial deficiency usually lasts 3 to 6 days. When prolonged, an other etiology should be looked for.

OBSERVATION

A 29 month-old child presented with purpura fulminans, probably due to Neisseria meningitidis. Positivity of the serodiagnostic for coxsackie B2, performed because of persisting myocardial deficiency, evoked diagnosis of a coxsackie B2 co-infection.

DISCUSSION

Abnormally prolonged myocardial deficiency during purpura fulminans must lead to the search for a congenital, metabolic or infectious cardiomyopathy.