Pyoderma gangrenosum: uncommon presentations

Postoperative and Peristomal Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Subtypes of Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum and peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum are 2 subtypes of pyoderma gangrenosum. The diagnosis is made as a clinicopathologic correlation when assessing a rapidly progressing ulcer with irregular and undermined borders following a surgical procedure, trauma, or the creation of a stoma. Familiarity with the associated risk factors and distinguishing features of these disorders can facilitate prompt recognition, proper diagnosis, and the initiation of treatment. Management usually involves the use of corticosteroids and steroid-sparing agents as immunomodulators to shift the inflammatory neutrophilic dermatoses to chronic noninflammatory wounds and eventual healing.

Pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that presents with rapidly developing, painful skin ulcers hallmarked by undermined borders and peripheral erythema. Epidemiological studies indicate that the average age of PG onset is in the mid-40s, with an incidence of a few cases per million person-years. PG is often associated with a variety of other immune-mediated diseases, most commonly inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of PG is not well understood, but PG is generally considered an autoinflammatory disorder. Studies have focused on the role of T cells, especially at the wound margin; these cells may support the destructive autoinflammatory response by the innate immune system. PG is difficult to diagnose as several differential diagnoses are possible; in addition to clinical examination, laboratory tests of biopsied wound tissue are required for an accurate diagnosis, and new validated diagnostic criteria will facilitate the process. Treatment of PG typically starts with fast-acting immunosuppressive drugs (corticosteroids and/or cyclosporine) to reduce inflammation followed by the addition of more slowly acting immunosuppressive drugs with superior adverse event profiles, including biologics (in particular, anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents). Appropriate wound care is also essential. Future research should focus on PG-specific outcome measures and PG quality-of-life studies.

Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis: a rare case with literature review

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a skin disease characterized by painful ulcers that, when not appropriately treated, can lead to permanent disfigurement. Pyoderma gangrenosum has been observed in a multitude of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and sarcoidosis (Feld et al. J Rheumatol. 39(1):197, 2012; Herrero et al. J Rheumatol. 36:7:1557-1558, 2009). It is rarely associated with autoimmune disorders such as systemic sclerosis. We report a case of a patient with known limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis who developed an ulcerated lesion on the 2nd digit of the left hand. The lesion was initially thought to be cellulitis and the patient underwent superficial wound debridement. Postoperatively, the patient's lesions worsened. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone and 0.05% topical clobetasol due to high suspicion for PG with complete resolution of ulcerated lesions and minimal scarring.

Successful treatment with tacrolimus of refractory pyoderma gangrenosum with pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

We describe herein a case of severe relapsed pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) concomitantly with severe pouchitis treated by tacrolimus. A 25-year-old woman had undergone proctocolectomy with construction of ileo-anal pouch surgery for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). She first developed PG with refractory pouchitis, and infliximab (IFX) was administered to induce remission due to resistance to glucocorticoid therapy. After achieving remission, IFX was stopped. Five years later, severe skin ulcers concomitantly with severe pouchitis recurred and treatment with 30 mg oral prednisolone (PSL) combined with topical tacrolimus showed partial improvement. When PSL was tapered to 15 mg, the skin ulcers and diarrhea aggravated. Endoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the ileal pouch. Treatment with oral tacrolimus was initiated for severe pouchitis and refractory PG. Forty days later, all skin ulcers became scars and multiple ulcers in the ileal pouch were also improved. Our case suggests that oral tacrolimus treatment could be a valuable treatment option for UC patients with refractory PG and pouchitis.

Pyoderma gangrenosum in an infant: A case report and review of the literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis that is rare in infancy, with only 20 cases reported in the literature. We present a case of infantile pyoderma gangrenosum refractory to topical steroids, tacrolimus, and dapsone as well as systemic steroids and infliximab that is currently well controlled with the addition of oral tacrolimus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the effective, safe use of oral tacrolimus in combination with infliximab for infantile pyoderma gangrenosum. We review all current cases of infantile pyoderma gangrenosum, as well as tacrolimus and its role in the treatment of this condition.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting with Pyoderma Gangrenosum-Like Ulceration and Negative Cytoplasmic Antineutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibodies in a Child

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a vasculitis that most commonly affects small to medium-size vessels of the respiratory tract and kidneys, may also present with a wide array of skin findings. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcerations on his lower extremity as the initial manifestation of GPA despite negative cytoplasmic antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCAs). Although GPA is strongly associated with c-ANCA, c-ANCA may be negative on presentation. Thus clinical and pathologic clues must be relied upon when serologic confirmation is negative.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Current Problem as Much as an Unknown One

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by recurrent skin ulcers, which in almost 50% of cases are associated with systemic autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, paraproteinemias and hematological malignancies. A systematic search of literature for PG was carried out using the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases for the purpose of this review and 2780 articles were retrieved up to February 2017. Inflammation represents the predominant aspect of the disease, but its pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely clear yet, since there are many studies showing only one or more isolated findings of the disease. The goal of PG treatment is to reduce inflammation in order to promote ulcer healing by minimizing side effects of therapy. Several systemic and local treatments are available, but the lack of large randomized double-blind studies results in an absence of a uniform therapeutic standard: thus, more clinical studies are required in order to make head-to-head comparisons between combination and single-drug therapies and to identify specific combination therapies for distinctive clinical patterns of PG.

Pediatric Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Retrospective Review of Clinical Features, Etiologic Associations, and Treatment

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis rarely seen in children. Its features have not been well characterized in children. We sought to characterize the clinical features, etiologic associations, and treatment of PG in children younger than 18 years.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of children younger than 18 years with PG at the Mayo Clinic from January 1976 to August 2013.

RESULTS

Thirteen children with PG were identified (n = 8; 62% female). All had ulcerations, with 62% having pustular lesions. Sites of involvement included the trunk (77%), lower extremities (77%), upper extremities (38%), and head and neck (38%). Nine (69%) had an underlying comorbidity, including seven with Crohn's disease (54%), one with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (8%), and one with pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne syndrome (8%). Treatments included topical or local care (92%) and systemic therapies (85%) such as oral corticosteroids (62%) and sulfasalazine or related 5-aminosalicylate drugs (46%). The clinical course did not correlate with that of the underlying systemic disease and response to treatment varied.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric PG has a more varied anatomic distribution and a greater predominance of pustular lesions than PG in adults and a strong association with inflammatory bowel disease.

Postoperative Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Clinical Review of Published Cases

Postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by PG at surgical incisions. It is often misdiagnosed as wound infection, and pathergy may complicate wound debridement. From September 1, 2013, through November 30, 2013, a literature search was conducted of articles published from January 1, 1978, through December 31, 2012. We referenced PubMed, MEDLINE, and Mayo Clinic Libraries using the keywords pyoderma gangrenosum, postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum, postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum, superficial granulomatous pyoderma, pathergic pyoderma, and pyoderma gangrenosum associated with surgery, incision, breast, and wound dehiscence. In addition, all titles from PubMed with the words pyoderma gangrenosum were reviewed manually for postoperative cases. Of 136 patients, 90 (66%) did not have associated systemic diseases. If a comorbidity was present, hematologic disorders were most common. In addition, 29% (28) of women had predisposing disease vs 53% (19) of men. Women had more frequent breast involvement (P<.001); chest involvement was more common in men (P=.005). Girls and women aged 13 to 64 years had more frequent breast involvement (P=.01). Sites were distributed equally for men regardless of age (P=.40). Antibiotic drug therapy was begun and debridement occurred in 90% (110 of 122 treated patients) and 73% (90 of 123 available patients), respectively. Postoperative PG has less association with systemic disease than its nonpostoperative counterpart. Antibiotic drug therapy is routinely initiated. Affected sites are often debrided, causing additional wound breakdown. Early diagnosis may prevent complications.

Necrotizing Dermatosis of the Arm Following Cubital Tunnel Release: Pyoderma Gangrenosum, the Great Mimic: A Case Report

CASE

We report the case of a fifty-one-year-old woman who underwent an uneventful cubital tunnel release and was admitted five days after surgery with a diagnosis of infection. Despite multiple surgical debridements and prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment, the wound edges continued to slough and necrose. A delayed diagnosis of postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) was made, and corticosteroid and immunosuppressive treatment was administered, with immediate clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

When apparent postoperative infections fail to improve with debridement and antimicrobial treatment, and when accompanied by a fever and severe local pain, nonspecific histopathological findings, and negative microbiological cultures, postsurgical PG should be considered.

Treatment and nursing of a case of ulcerative colitis complicated with gangrenous pyoderma

Ulcerative colitis (UC) with gangrenous pyoderma has been rarely reported. We report a case of a man who was hospitalized because of anal fistula. We found pus and blood covering the surgeon's gloves out of the anus during operation. There existed some postoperative complications, including fever, bloody purulent stool and expanding belly cankers. The patient was diagnosed with UC by enteroscopy and rectal biopsy, and gangrenous pyoderma by skin pathology with clinical features later. After 44 d of nursing and mesalazine and hormone therapy, the patient's condition improved and belly cankers tended to heal. UC with gangrenous pyoderma has no specific clinical manifestations and pathological changes, which is difficult to diagnose early. More importantly, the disease progresses rapidly and has severe damage, and the medical staff should pay more attention.

Risk factors for peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum complicating inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Risk factors for peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG) are not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with development of PPG.

METHODS

Both PPG patients and controls were obtained by searching a database of the Cleveland Clinic using the ICD-9 code from March 2005 to May 2011. The control group was selected by matching for underlying diseases and type of stoma in a ratio of 3:1. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 PPG cases and 45 controls were included. The mean age at the time of PPG diagnosis was 46.0 ± 14.4 years. The underlying disease was Crohn's disease in 7 patients (46.7%), ulcerative colitis in 7 (46.7%) and indeterminate colitis in 1 (6.7%). Eleven patients (73.3%) had end ileostomy, 3 (20.0%) had loop ileostomy and 1 (6.7%) had colostomy. Eleven patients (73.3%) had active intestinal disease. In multivariate analysis, female gender, the presence of concurrent autoimmune disorders, and a high body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with the presence of PPG, with odds ratios of 8.385 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.496-46.982, p=0.015), 6.882 (95% CI:1.438-32.941, p=0.016), and 9.895 (95% CI: 1.970-43.704, p=0.005), respectively. After a median follow-up of 12.8 (interquartile range: 7.9-20.1) months with appropriate therapy, PPG healed in 8 patients (53.3%) and improved in 7 (46.7%) patients, after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender, the presence of autoimmune disorders and a high BMI appeared to be associated with an increased risk for the development of PPG in IBD patients.

Diagnosis and management of parastomal pyoderma gangrenosum

Parastomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG) is an unusual neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by painful, necrotic ulcerations occurring in the area surrounding an abdominal stoma. It typically affects young to middle-aged adults, with a slight female predominance. The underlying etiology for PPG remains enigmatic but aberrant immune response to injury may play a pivotal role. The reported risk factors for the development of PPG include the presence of extra-intestinal manifestations, autoimmune disorders and obesity, along with local factors, such as the presence of parastomal hernia or pressure ulcer. PPG can develop at any time after the stoma construction. The histopathological features of PPG are not pathognomonic and its diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features. The management of PPG often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a combination of local wound care and systemic medications.

Cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal disease: part II

The gastrointestinal (GI) and cutaneous organ systems are closely linked. In part I of this continuing medical education article, the intricacies of this relationship were explored as they pertained to hereditary polyposis disorders, hamartomatous disorders, and paraneoplastic disease. Part II focuses on the cutaneous system's links to inflammatory bowel disease and vascular disorders. An in-depth analysis of inflammatory bowel disease skin findings is provided to aid dermatologists in recognizing and facilitating early consultation and intervention by gastroenterologists. Cutaneous signs of inflammatory bowel disease include fissures and fistulae, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, pyostomatitis vegetans, oral aphthous ulcers, cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, necrotizing vasculitis, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Additional immune-mediated conditions, such as diverticulitis, bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, dermatitis herpetiformis, and Degos disease, in which the skin and GI system are mutually involved, will also be discussed. Genodermatoses common to both the GI tract and the skin include Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Kaposi sarcoma is a neoplastic disease with lesions involving both the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Acrodermatitis enteropathica, a condition of zinc deficiency, likewise affects both the GI and dermatologic systems. These conditions are reviewed with updates on the genetic basis, diagnostic and screening modalities, and therapeutic options. Finally, GI complications associated with vascular disorders will also be discussed.

Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum of the bilateral dorsal hands

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) shows characteristic non-infectious ulcers that are commonly associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, myeloproliferative disorders or aortitis syndrome. The typical clinical appearance is undermining ulcers with reddish and irregular borders on the legs. As PG has these notable signs, the diagnosis is relatively easy and its treatment depends on the severity of underlying complications. We report a case of a 60-year-old Japanese man, diagnosed with bullous PG, who also had been suffering from myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive microscopic polyangiitis and pulmonary aspergillosis. This case displayed soft whitish ulcers that existed on the rough ulcer base, with irregular borders, on his bilateral dorsal hands. Initially, it seemed to be cutaneous secondary aspergillosis because the host was already infected with pulmonary aspergillosis in both lungs. The differential diagnosis of PG from aspergillosis was from the sterile bullae or neutrophilic bullae on his right forearm, which evolved into ulcers in a few days. This case was finally diagnosed as bullous PG and a topical glucocorticoid was very effective to epithelize the ulcers in 2-3 weeks.

Penile pyoderma gangrenosum successfully treated with topical Imiquimod

Pyoderma gangrenosum(PG) is a rare ulcerating inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis. Genital involvement has been rarely reported. We report such a case of 24- year- old, male patient living with HIV/AIDS(PLHIV) who presented with progressive genital ulceration, not responding to oral antibiotics and aciclovir, gradually increasing in size over 15-18 months. Repeated biopsies showed acute on chronic inflammation. The lesion partially responded to oral and topical corticosteroids but soon increased in size after tapering the dosage of the steroids.Then patient was given Imiquimod 5% cream to be applied over the lesion once daily for 2-4 weeks. Lesion cleared completely in 4 weeks and is in remission since last 6 months. The case report highlights the successful use of topical Imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of penile PG.

Coexistence of fatal disseminated invasive aspergillosis and pyoderma gangrenosum: a case report

OBJECTIVE

To report an unusual case of disseminated aspergillosis involving the lymph nodes, lungs, and skin in a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

CASE PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION

A 46-year-old man presented with productive cough of 2 weeks' duration. Besides, several painless, fixed lymph nodes were palpated at his left neck. He had PG and MDS diagnosed in June 2004 with regular use of oral dapsone and prednisolone. His skin lesions healed with scar formation and no purulent discharge. A computed tomography scan of the head, neck and chest showed bilateral lung consolidation and abscesses at the left neck, right upper lung and right pleura. The neck abscess culture grew Aspergillus species. Dark reddish macules developed over the right arm, chest and abdominal wall, and the left lower limb 2 weeks after initiation of amphotericin B. The histology of the right arm skin biopsy showed invasive aspergillosis. Caspofungin was started then for suspicion of poor response to amphotericin B. He expired despite 35 days of antifungal therapy.

CONCLUSION

This report highlights the rarity of coexistence of disseminated aspergillosis and PG, and should alert physicians to the possibility of invasive fungal infection superimposed on a chronic skin lesion.

Pyoderma gangrenosum after lower extremity bypass

A 66-year-old male with lower extremity ischemia underwent femoral-posterior tibial bypass with composite vein graft from the arm. Ten days later, he presented to the emergency department with pain, wound erythema, and drainage. Despite a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics and serial operative debridements, the wound edges repeatedly necrosed after each procedure. The vein graft remained viable. Punch biopsies of wound edges were consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). The patient's condition improved on immunosuppressive therapy. Although a rare clinical entity, postsurgical PG is a well-described phenomenon whose diagnosis is often delayed. Clinical suspicion is imperative to ensure timely treatment and minimize morbidity.

Pyoderma gangrenosum manifesting as a cavitating lung lesion

We present a case of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) mimicking a lung carcinoma. A 52-year-old woman presented with an unremitting cough. Computed tomography revealed a cavitating lung lesion. Bronchoscopy and biopsy were interpreted as squamous cell carcinoma. Following a staging mediastinoscopy, a sleeve lobectomy and chest-wall resection was performed. The pulmonary histopathological features suggested Wegener's granulomatosis; no malignancy was found. Three months postoperatively, wound breakdown led to dermatological review. A clinical diagnosis of cutaneous PG was made on the basis of the classic appearance of the surgical wounds and an ulcer on the upper back that had been present before surgery. The patient has been consistently negative for cytoplasmic-staining antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, which supports the diagnosis of PG with cutaneous and pulmonary involvement. Lung manifestations of PG are rare. PG is amenable to systemic therapy. Pulmonary PG is a rare but important differential diagnosis that is not familiar to many physicians and surgeons in this type of presentation.

Successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum associated with myelodysplastic syndrome using high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin

We report the case of a 61-year-old man with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) who was successfully treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). He was transported to hospital with fever, pain and ulcer of the left inner thigh, and pancytopenia. PG associated with myelodysplastic syndrome was diagnosed, and treatment with methyl-prednisolone at 1.0 g/day for 3 days was followed by oral prednisolone. As the ulcer deteriorated when prednisolone dose was reduced, he was admitted to our hospital. IVIg was administered twice, with high fever promptly subsiding and the ulcer markedly decreasing in size. IVIg may represent a good option when steroid therapy proves insufficient.

Pyoderma gangrenosum with necrotizing sclerokeratitis after cataract surgery

A 78-year-old man who had had uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction in the left eye 3 months earlier developed pyoderma gangrenosum (PG)-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) after suture removal. The patient had a 13-year history of PG associated with monoclonal immunoglobulin-A gammopathy. He presented with extensive, painful PUK at the incision site, with a descemetocele and a high risk for perforation. Fibrin glue tissue adhesive was used to stabilize the corneal ulcer as an adjunct to topical and systemic treatment. The patient had been treated with tapering doses of prednisone and cyclophosphamide (50 mg/day). High-dose human intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 mg/kg/d for 4 days) was administered. The ulcer healed 1 month later with a loss of visual acuity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PG-associated sclerokeratitis following cataract surgery. Early recognition of this rare ocular localization of PG is important to institute the appropriate therapy.

Abcès pulmonaire et Pyoderma gangrenosum

INTRODUCTION

Pyoderma gangrenosum is the ulcerative form of neutrophilic dermatoses. The most frequent extracutaneous localizations are the lungs, joints, and digestive tract.

CASE RECORD

We report a case of Pyoderma gangrenosum, which presented first as an aseptic lung abscess. The first cutaneous lesions occurred 9 months later, with skin ulcerations on the thorax and on surgical scars. The histological diagnosis was made on skin biopsies. There was no associated abnormality except for IgA monoclonal gammapathy. Clinical improvement was noted with immunosuppressive treatment.

DISCUSSION

This infrequent case report underlines that lung abscesses may be of non-infectious origin, that in Pyoderma gangrenosum, skin lesions may be come several months after extracutaneous manifestations, among which lungs abcesses are the most frequent.

Pyoderma gangrenosum et syndrome de Churg et Strauss

INTRODUCTION

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an unusual dermatitis witch is associated at least in half of the cases with a systemic illness.

CASE RECORD

A 54 year-old woman suffering from Churg and Strauss syndrome has been monitored for many years. She was hospitalized in dermatology unit for a PG without showing any activity signs of her angeitis. After a well conducted localized treatment, the cutaneous lesions rapidly improved.

DISCUSSION

PG physiopathology is still not well known, but its interest lies in the fact of the high number of associated internal pathologies and is probably linked to granulomatosis such as Churg and Strauss angeitis.