Livedo Reticularis: A Presenting Sign of Escherichia Coli Sepsis in a Newborn

Livedo reticularis is a red cutaneous netlike pattern that is caused by abnormalities of the microvascularization and can be associated with many other potential systemic etiologies. We describe a case of a newborn that presented with livedo reticularis on his first day of life without any obvious systemic signs. The livedo reticularis was associated with Escherichia Coli K1 meningitis as revealed by laboratory tests. Clinical infectious signs developed a few hours later. Despite appropriate antibiotics therapy, he died on his second day because of sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Cerebrospinal fluid culture, blood culture, and culture of samples from trachea showed the presence of Escherichia Coli serotype K1 with many virulence determinants.

In newborn, livedo reticularis must not be considered as physiological, but as a potential sign of unknown severe bacterial infection. Thus, the presence of livedo reticularis must require urgent laboratory tests.