Enterococcal eschars in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma tumors: a distinct clinical entity

Abstract

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are extranodal non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphomas that present in the skin, the most common form being mycosis fungoides. The progression of disease is associated with acquired immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to infections. Ten CTCL patients presented with dark brown to black eschars overlying ulcerated tumors that cultured positive for Enterococcus and healed with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Enterococcal infections in CTCL tumors may be recognized as a distinct clinical entity requiring specific intervention.