Ecthyma gangrenosum occurring at sites of latrogenic trauma in pediatric oncology patients

We report two cases of ecthyma gangrenosum which occurred at sites of iatrogenic trauma. The first case developed due to metastatic seeding with Pseudomonas aeruginosa during an episode of septicaemia and the second case occurred as a primary skin lesion. Both required prolonged courses of antibiotics and one patient died. The different pathogenic mechanisms and outcomes associated with this condition are discussed. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.