Pen push purpura: iatrogenic nail bed hemorrhages in the intensive care unit

Pierson, J.C.; Lawlor, K.B.; Steck, W.D.

Cutis 51(6): 422-423

1993


ISSN/ISBN: 0011-4162
PMID: 8519184
Document Number: 411463
Peculiar fingernail hemorrhages appeared in a febrile, comatose patient several weeks after she was admitted to the hospital. Bedside questioning of the nursing staff uncovered a frequently used neurologic examination maneuver as the cause. We suggest the term "pen push purpura" to describe this phenomenon. The clinical significance and various causes of nail bed hemorrhages are reviewed.

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