Ecthyma gangrenosum without bacteremia in a previously healthy man: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Ecthyma gangrenosum is known as a characteristic lesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis and is usually seen in immunocompromised patients.


METHODS
A 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Gençer
Serap
S
Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Kartal Dr, Lütfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. segencer@tnn.net
Ozer
Serdar
S
Ege Gül
Aylin
A
Doğan
Mustafa
M
Ak
Oznur
O