Ecthyma gangrenosum in hematological patients - a report of two cases

Abstract

Introduction. Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare skin disorder which commonly affects immunocompromised patients. Case Report. We report two hematological patients suffering from ecthyma gangrenosum. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from skin lesions of both patients, but bacteremia was present only in the first case. These two cases had different pathogenic mechanisms and outcomes. Conclusion. Early diagnosis and prompt combination antibiotic therapy are of utmost importance in the treatment of this condition. On the other hand, the underlying disease has a great impact on the outcome as well.