Ecthyma gangrenosum without bacteremia in a previously healthy man: a case report

Serap Gençer,Öznur Ak,Mustafa Doğan,Serdar Özer,Aylin Ege Gül

doi:10.1186/1752-1947-2-14

Serap Gençer, Öznur Ak + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-2-14

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Abstract

IntroductionEcthyma gangrenosum is known as a characteristic lesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis and is usually seen in immunocompromised patients.Case presentationA previously healthy 63-year-old man was admitted with sloughy necrotic ulcerations of the skin over his sternum. He was afebrile and in good condition. A skin biopsy revealed ecthyma gangrenosum. Blood cultures remained sterile, but a culture of biopsy material grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa.ConclusionEcthyma gangrenosum may develop even in the absence of bacteremia and even in immunocompetent patients. It should be considered as a possible diagnosis even when a previously healthy patient has negative blood cultures.

Highlights

Ecthyma gangrenosum is known as a characteristic lesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis and is usually seen in immunocompromised patients.Case presentation: A previously healthy 63-year-old man was admitted with sloughy necrotic ulcerations of the skin over his sternum
Ecthyma gangrenosum may develop even in the absence of bacteremia and even in immunocompetent patients. It should be considered as a possible diagnosis even when a previously healthy patient has negative blood cultures
Ecthyma gangrenosum is a characteristic necrotic and bullous skin lesion known to be caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis

Summary

Introduction

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a characteristic necrotic and bullous skin lesion known to be caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis It is usually seen in immunocompromised people. Six days later he noted an erythematous skin lesion over his sternum. Ecthyma gangrenosum is usually seen in immunocompromised patients with leukemia, lymphoma, other malignant diseases, severe burns or organ transplant, or in people receiving immunosuppressive therapy [1,2,4,6]. It has been reported in patients without previously identified medical problems.

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