Painful red nodules of the legs: a manifestation of chronic infection with gram-negative organisms

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Aug;41(2 Pt 2):319-21. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70374-9.

Abstract

Skin infection secondary to gram-negative organisms is uncommon and is typically limited to persons who are immunocompromised. When these do occur, they are acute, progressive, and severe. Here we report 2 cases of painful red nodules that presented with a waxing and waning course over a long period. One case is that of a 45-year-old healthy white man who developed Serratia marcescens infection in 1 leg. The other case is that of a 78-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with prednisone who developed infection of the leg secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the first case, symptoms were present for 2 years before definitive diagnosis and treatment. In the second case, 4 months elapsed. Ultimately, both patients responded to antibiotic therapy and recovered. These cases illustrate an unusual presentation of chronic red painful nodules of the leg secondary to infection with gram-negative organisms and underscore the importance of culture even when infection seems unlikely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Leg Dermatoses / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas Infections / diagnosis*
  • Serratia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Serratia marcescens*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis*