Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome in a Child With Venous Malformation

We report the case of a child with a venous malformation (VM), in whom streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) developed from cellulitis. A six-year-old boy with VM of the left lower limb had a fever and left lower limb pain since the afternoon of the day before admission. He presented with swelling, redness, heat, and tenderness on an area extending from the sole of the foot to the lower leg on the left side. Disturbance of consciousness gradually appeared, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. We administered intravenous antibiotics and an immunoglobulin. On day two of hospitalization, group A hemolytic streptococci were detected in the blood culture. We managed the patient in coordination with a plastic surgeon for consideration of surgical interventions. The local findings subsequently improved to change the antibiotics promptly without debridement, and he was discharged after 14 days of antibiotic therapy. In this case, the VM may have contributed to the worsening of the infection. In children with VM, soft tissue inflammation with local pain and fever must be treated promptly, with the expectation of prompt surgical intervention, because the condition can progress to sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis.