Title: Rumpel-Leede (RL) phenomenon
Authors: Aditi Sharma, Himang Jharaik, Rajni Sharma
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i6.153
Abstract
Rumpel-Leede phenomenon, also known as the Hess test or Torniquet test or capillary fragility test refers to acute dermis capillary rupture, is classically seen in microvascular fragility disorders and relates either to a vasculopathy or to a reduced number or function of the platelets.
The phenomenon is considered nonspecific, it occurs in response to application of a compressive device such as when inflating a blood pressure monitoring cuff or when applying a tourniquet which results in capillary rupture and formation of a petechial rash distal to the compression device. R-L phenomenon is believed to occur most often in patients with underlying vascular disease, such as diabetes mellitus or thrombocytopenia. Historically it has been used for the assessment of capillary fragility and thrombocytopenia though petechiae are caused by physical traumas or medical conditions. Phenomenonis mostly benign and usually resolves within 2 weeks with no treatment except the treatment of the underlying vascular disease or thrombocytopenia, if any. Thus awareness of this phenomenon can avoid the need of unnecessary investigations.
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