Pyoderma gangrenosum in association with regional enteritis

Pyoderma gangrenosum and cranial osteolysis: case report and review of the paediatric literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a poorly understood, ulcerating cutaneous disorder which is rarely seen in the paediatric age-group. We report a 3-year-old boy who developed an ulcer over the left frontoparietal scalp at the age of 1 year. A 9-cm area of underlying cranial bone was destroyed. The appearance on radiographs and CT scan was suggestive of eosinophilic granuloma, osteomyelitis, or other destructive processes. Biopsies of the scalp lesion and calvaria showed granulation tissue and degenerating bone. After the biopsies the scalp lesion increased in size, and wound dehiscence occurred. Ulceration developed at the site of a PPD skin test, which on biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma gangrenosum should be added to the differential diagnosis of cutaneous disorders which can result in osteolytic/osteonecrotic defects.

Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis

Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis is a rare entity reported to occur in association with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Three patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis are described. Clinically, the eruption is characterized by symmetric erythematous papules, plaques, and rarely vesicles on extensor skin surfaces. Light microscopy reveals a dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis. Spongiotic intraepidermal blisters, subepidermal bullae, or papillary neutrophilic microabscesses may be seen. The histologic differential diagnosis includes the other dermatoses in which neutrophils predominate. Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis is one of several neutrophilic dermatoses seen in association with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that it may be part of a spectrum of neutrophilic cutaneous reaction patterns in a predisposed host.

Erythema nodosum progressing to pyoderma gangrenosum as a complication of Crohn's disease

Erythema nodosum occurs more frequently than pyoderma gangrenosum in Crohn's disease. We report the occurrence of both lesions in a woman with Crohn's disease and the transformation of one to the other. Pyoderma gangrenosum has been described at the site of previous trauma in Crohn's disease and at the site of other skin conditions in other circumstances, but, to the best of our knowledge, actual progression from erythema nodosum to pyoderma gangrenosum has been reported on only one previous occasion in Crohn's disease.

Pyoderma gangrenosum

Since its description 50 years ago, pyoderma gangrenosum has continued to capture the attention and imagination of all those who see its dramatic presentation. Clinical observation still provides the only reliable diagnosis. As investigative techniques increase, more and more intriguing immunologic abnormalities associated with this disorder are discovered, but understanding of the pathogenesis remains elusive. It is now recognized as an independent condition as well as a co-condition with many systemic disorders. Many new treatment options are available, allowing much individualization of treatment. For now, pyoderma gangrenosum remains an impressive, relatively easily recognized, but poorly understood disease.

Metastatic Crohn's disease

Metastatic Crohn's disease is a term used to describe a granulomatous reaction occurring in flexures, and separated from the affected areas of the gastro-intestinal tract by normal skin. Previous reports refer to such lesions affecting the groins, the male genitalia, a flexure on the anterior abdominal wall of an obese patient, and submammary regions. A further case, in which the retro-auricular areas are involved, is presented.

Recurrent necrosis of the skin and the mouth

A patient suffering from an unusual syndrome, in which the following triad was present, is described: (1) Recurrent necrosis of the skin and mouth; and necrosis following intradermal injection of saline. (2) Disappearance of the necrotic episodes following the administration of prednisone. (3) Mental retardation. This syndrome does not appear to have been previously reported.