[Ecthyma gangrenosum caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri with bacteraemia and systemic vascularitis].

BACKGROUND

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a cutaneous manifestation of Pseudomonas infections. This condition may be associated with bacteraemia but can also occur in the absence of bacteraemia.

METHODS

The authors report the case of a 66-year-old woman presented with necrotic ulcerations on the face associated with fever, arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue and neutropenia. Blood cultures and skin cultures were positive for Pseudomonas stutzeri. Her condition improved under appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, the patient further developed clinical and biological symptoms of systemic vasculitis and mixed cryoglubulinemia. Complete healing was finally obtained after a course of corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Ecthyma gangrenosum should be suspected in people who have typical clinical presentation. This disease could sometimes be associated with systemic vasculitis.