Ecthyma gangrenosum caused by disseminated Exserohilum in a child with leukemia: a case report and review of the literature

Pediatr Dermatol. 2003 Nov-Dec;20(6):495-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2003.20608.x.

Abstract

We report an 8-year-old boy with acute leukemia who developed ecthyma gangrenosum secondary to infection with Exserohilum spp., a rare cause of human disease. The skin, paranasal sinuses and lungs were involved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ecthyma gangrenosum caused by Exserohilum spp. This case emphasizes the importance of prompt skin biopsy for early diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dermatomycoses / diagnosis*
  • Dermatomycoses / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fungemia / diagnosis*
  • Fungemia / pathology
  • Gangrene
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Mitosporic Fungi / isolation & purification
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*