Ecthyma gangrenosum: A rare cutaneous manifestation of a potentially fatal disease

Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a cutaneous lesion frequently associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia, although it may develop in the absence of bacteremia and may originate from other bacterial and fungal organisms. Ecthyma gangrenosum most often occurs in patients with neutropenia and other immunocompromised hosts. It typically occurs on the extremities and gluteal and perineal regions. We report a rare case of ecthyma gangrenosum presenting as an aggressive necrotic skin lesion on the nasal ala of a patient with myelofibrosis. Tissue and blood cultures were positive for P aeruginosa. This clinical entity should be considered when otolaryngologists are asked to evaluate necrotic cutaneous lesions of the head and neck.