Expanding subcutaneous mass on the scalp of an immunocompromised woman

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Acute cutaneous manifestations in immunocompromised individuals necessitate careful assessment.
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and unusual skin findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of infectious panniculitis in an immunocompromised patient.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of unusual skin presentations in immunocompromised hosts.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 26-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing salvage chemotherapy.
• Clinical presentation of an expanding subcutaneous mass on the scalp and jaw.
• Histopathologic examination revealing sclerosing fat necrosis and psoriasiform spongiotic dermatitis.
• Tissue culture identifying multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Main Results:

• The patient was diagnosed with infectious panniculitis.
• Histopathology confirmed fat necrosis and dermatitis.
• Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the causative agent.

Conclusions:

• Unusual cutaneous presentations in immunocompromised patients require a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective management.
• Prompt identification of infectious agents, even resistant strains, is vital in this patient population.