Some patients with cutaneous edema may develop malignant edema or a malignant pustule.
Patient selection: cutaneous anthrax
Clinical features:
(1) marked edema at the site of inoculation with skin discoloration
(2) variable nodule, pustule, ulcer or black eschar at the site of inoculation
If the edema occurs in the head and neck, then there may be tracheal obstruction.
The lesion may precede a generalized infection that can be fatal:
(1) sepsis
(2) meningitis
(3) severe pulmonary edema
(4) pleural effusion and/or ascites
(5) high fever and/or toxemia
Steroid therapy has been used to treat the edema and its complication, in addition to the antibiotics.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
