Ecthyma Gangrenosum and Pyelonephritis in an Older Patient with Controlled Diabetes but without HIV or Malignancy

TL;DR

A 69-year-old diabetic man without HIV or cancer developed a rare skin infection linked to Pseudomonas, highlighting immune risks in elderly patients with diabetes.

Contribution

Demonstrates ecthyma gangrenosum can occur in older diabetic patients without classic immunosuppression.

Findings

Ecthyma gangrenosum occurred in a diabetic patient without HIV or malignancy.

Systemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was confirmed in a non-immunocompromised elderly patient.

Case emphasizes immune vulnerability in elderly diabetic individuals despite controlled diabetes.

Abstract

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare dermatological manifestation often linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia, typically occurring in immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of ecthyma gangrenosum in a 69-year-old male with diabetes mellitus, but without HIV, malignancy, or chronic immunosuppressive therapy. The patient exhibited septic shock, pyelonephritis, and pneumonia, and was eventually diagnosed with ecthyma gangrenosum due to systemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. This case highlights the occurrence of ecthyma gangrenosum in an older patient with metabolic comorbidities and age-related immune dysfunction, but without classic immunosuppressive conditions. It underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention in such populations, and the need for a nuanced approach to immune status in elderly patients with diabetes.

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