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Article
Ecthyma Gangrenosum in an Immunocompromised Patient without Detectable Bacteremia
Dermatology
  • Jonathan Miles, HCA Healthcare
  • Alex Mari, HCA Healthcare
  • Matthew Crabtree, HCA Healthcare
  • Vinod Nambudiri, HCA Healthcare
  • Jilian Sansbury, HCA Healthcare
Division
South Atlantic
Hospital
Grand Strand Medical Center
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
10-4-2019
Keywords
  • pseudomonas aeruginosa,
  • bacterial infections,
  • lesions,
  • immunocompromised patients
Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is typically pathognomonic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia among immunocompromised patients, particularly with underlying malignancy. Recently, other pathogens and clinical histories have been implicated, challenging the classic picture of patients with EG. The cutaneous findings in patients follow a pattern of lesion progression from indurated pustules and hemorrhagic vesicles evolving to necrotic ulcers with central black eschar and surrounding erythema. While lesions typically occur on the perineum or lower extremities, their presence has also been described elsewhere. Herein, we describe a case of an immunocompromised man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma actively undergoing chemotherapy presenting with EG and sepsis symptoms but without detectable bacteremia who responded to broad spectrum empiric antibiotic coverage including double anti-pseudomonal coverage. It is important to consider EG even in cases without all of the classic presenting symptoms and manifestations of P. aeruginosa bacteremia given a potentially broad range of etiologies for this disease. As seen in this patient, clinical outcomes for patients without bacteremia may be better.

Publisher or Conference
Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology
Citation Information
Miles JA, et al. Ecthyma Gangrenosum in an Immunocompromised Patient without Detectable Bacteremia. Poster presented at: Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology; October 4-6, 2019; Durham, NC.