Cutaneous findings in a case of psittacosis.

A patient had severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Cutaneous findings included a maculopapular blanching rash, acrocyanosis, superficial venous thromboses, and splinter hemorrhages under the fingernails. The history of exposure to potential vectors of psittacosis and the presence of some or all the cutaneous findings described herein may lead to the early recognition of psittacosis.