Ann Arthritis Clin Rheumatol | Volume 1, Issue 1 | Case Report | Open Access

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection in a Patient with Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Case Report

Hannah P. Leo¹, Elizabeth R. Volkmann^2* and Artin Krekory Ohanian³

¹Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, USA
²Division of Rheumatology and Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, USA
³Department of Internal Medicine, UCLA-Olive View Medical Center, USA

^*Correspondance to: Elizabeth R. Volkmann 

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Abstract

Introduction: Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection (NSTI) is an uncommon diagnosis that is often at onset difficult to differentiate from other superficial skin conditions and can be fatal without rapid surgical intervention. Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are noted to have an increased risk of NSTI secondary to an immunocompromised state caused both by the underlying autoimmune disease and immunosuppressive therapy. The bullae seen in bullous SLE, a rare variant with blistering skin, can make diagnosis more challenging. Case: Presented is a case of NSTI in a patient with bullous lupus that illustrates the rapidly progressive nature of a NSTI due to GAS, the challenges in its diagnosis, and the complications encountered during management.
Conclusion: NSTI in a patient with bullous systemic lupus erythematous may be difficult to diagnosis given the bullae associated with the rheumatologic disease and potential absence of gas on CT imaging in type 2 infections. Complications can include septic shock and need for multiple debridement surgerie

Keywords:

Necrotizing soft tissue infection; Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus

Citation:

Leo HP, Volkmann ER, Ohanian AK. Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection in a Patient with Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Case Report. Ann Arthritis Clin Rheumatol. 2018; 1(1): 1002.