A Rare Case of a Morel-Lavallée Lesion Complicated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection: Diagnostic Challenges and Therapeutic Considerations

Cureus. 2023 Nov 10;15(11):e48622. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48622. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions are uncommon soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma, characterized by the separation of subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. Soft tissue infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are rare and most typically associated with hospital-acquired infections and burn wounds. This case report is regarding a 57-year-old man following a motorcycle accident who presented with a unique occurrence of an MLL complicated by P. aeruginosa infection. The patient underwent extensive treatment over the course of months, which may have been prevented with a better understanding of the injury. This case is noteworthy due to the infrequency of the injury, the pathogen, and concomitant occurrence, presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We describe the patient's clinical presentation, hospital course, diagnostic workup, and management to inform future care and recognition of similar patients.

Keywords: internal degloving injury; morel-lavallée lesion; pseudomonas aeruginosa; soft tissue infection; surgical and clinical management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports