Ecthyma Gangrenosum in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Ecthyma gangrenosum, a necrotic skin lesion most often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has been infrequently reported among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report two cases of ecthyma gangrenosum due to P. aeruginosa in AIDS patients. These patients developed recurrent P. aeruginosa infection, even in the absence of neutropenia. The recurrence rate of P. aeruginosa infection among reported cases of ecthyma gangrenosum in AIDS patients is 57%. A high index of suspicion should be maintained for recurrent Pseudomonas infection among AIDS patients with ecthyma gangrenosum.