title: Upper limb Escherichia coli cellulitis in the immunocompromised.
abstract: The neutropenic state characteristic of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) predisposes to infections involving Gram-negative bacilli. An Escherichia coli cellulitis originating in the first web space of the hand is described in a patient undergoing reinduction chemotherapy for ALL. Proximal extension of the infection progressed at a very rapid rate and required a forequarter amputation as a life saving measure. Due to the blunted inflammatory response in neutropenic patients, the need for close monitoring and quick intervention is stressed.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Limb Centre and Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brzozowski
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000150:complications*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications*