Malaria-associated peripheral gangrene

• We describe four cases of malaria-associated peripheral gangrene.
• In cases where there is no associated infection, peripheral gangrene should ideally be allowed to self-demarcate and auto-amputate.
• Surgical debridement or amputation frequently required.

Malaria is a common parasitic disease endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, including Mozambique. Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a rare complication of malaria. The purpose of this study was to review cases of malaria-associated peripheral gangrene that were evaluated by the pediatric surgical service at Hospital Central. Four patients ranging in age from 11 months to 7 years with documented Plasmodium falciparum infection and peripheral gangrene were identified. Amputation was required in cases of wet-gangrene. The majority of cases were allowed to self-demarcate, and one was allowed to auto-amputate.