Ecthyma Gangrenosum and Palate Necrosis in a Healthy Cleft Patient

Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a severe form of tissue infection most commonly by pseudomonas aeruginosa. Usually it is associated with sepsis and high mortality rate. It occurs on patients with defective defense mechanism. The skin lesions typically involve axillary, gluteal, groin areas, and extremities. Palatal and pharyngeal wall involvement has been rare. We present a case with cleft lip and palate who was otherwise healthy. He developed sepsis and ecthyma gangrenosum with extensive involvement and tissue necrosis on palato-pharyngeal area. The infection was successfully controlled and the palatal defect was satisfactorily reconstructed.