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Article
Ecthyma Gangrenosum in a Patient With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Journal of Burn Care and Research
  • Douglas M. Downey, Wright State University
  • Meghan C. O'Bryan, Wright State University
  • Steve D. Burdette, Wright State University
  • Ron Michael Johnson, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Jonathan M. Saxe, Wright State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are a spectrum of disease characterized by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that involves the skin and mucous membranes and typically is associated with either recent upper respiratory infection or with certain medications. Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare necrotizing vasculitis that most commonly affects immunocompromised and burn patients and is often a sequela of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia. The cutaneous lesions of ecthyma gangrenosum are characterized by an erythematous halo surrounding a dark gray or black nodule. P. aeruginosa preferentially invades the venules, resulting in secondary thrombosis of the arterioles, tissue edema, and separation of the epidermis. Management of ecthyma gangrenosum includes systemic treatment with antipseudomonal antibiotics and débridment of the lesions, as well as improving the patient's immune status if possible. We present a case of a patient admitted to the burn unit for toxic epidermal necrolysis who developed pseudomonal bacteremia with ecthyma gangrenosum.

DOI
10.1097/BCR.0B013E31802CA481
Citation Information
Douglas M. Downey, Meghan C. O'Bryan, Steve D. Burdette, Ron Michael Johnson, et al.. "Ecthyma Gangrenosum in a Patient With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis" Journal of Burn Care and Research Vol. 28 Iss. 1 (2007) p. 198 - 202 ISSN: 1559-047X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jonathan_saxe/38/