Pyoderma Gangrenosum Simulating Necrotizing Fasciitis

Neutrophilic dermatoses with unusual and atypical presentations

Neutrophilic dermatoses (NDs) are a group of reactive, noninfectious autoinflammatory diseases characterized by (1) infiltration of the epidermis, dermis, and or/hypodermis by neutrophils; (2) their association with distinct diseases (eg, hematologic malignancy and chronic inflammatory diseases); (3) potential extracutaneous involvement; and (4) response to anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, dapsone, colchicine, and novel biologic therapies, such as the anti-interleukin-1 blockade. Although distinct NDs have been described, transitional forms with overlapping features are often identified. These justify a simplified classification of NDs with three major forms: superficial (epidermal or pustular) NDs, dermal (en plaques) NDs, and deep NDs. We review selected or novel variants of NDs, including subcorneal pustular dermatosis, the group of immunoglobulin A neutrophilic dermatoses, amicrobial pustular dermatosis of the folds, and neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis, as well as atypical forms of Sweet syndrome and pyoderma gangrenosum closely mimicking severe infectious diseases. Knowledge of these variants is essential for proper diagnosis, adequate management, and avoidance of a dangerous escalation of therapy, such as unnecessary immunosuppression or extensive surgery.

Necrotizing Infections of the Hand and Wrist: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Necrotizing infections of the hand and wrist are important clinical entities because of their rapidly progressive and potentially lethal nature. These infections encompass a spectrum of diseases with overlapping signs and symptoms, which can be subtle and nonspecific. If the brief prodromal period of these infections goes unrecognized, a local area of devitalized tissue can evolve into fulminant infection, multiorgan failure, and potentially death. Early recognition and treatment including administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical débridement are paramount to improving patient outcomes.

Pyoderma gangrenosum: a review with special emphasis on Latin America literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by chronic ulcers due to an abnormal immune response. Despite the existence of diagnostic criteria, there is no gold standard for diagnosis or treatment. In Latin America, recognizing and treating pyoderma gangrenosum is even more challenging since skin and soft tissue bacterial and non-bacterial infections are common mimickers. Therefore, this review aims to characterize reported cases of pyoderma gangrenosum in this region in order to assist in the assessment and management of this condition. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are the countries in Latin America that have reported the largest cohort of patients with this disease. The most frequent clinical presentation is the ulcerative form and the most frequently associated conditions are inflammatory bowel diseases, inflammatory arthropaties, and hematologic malignancies. The most common treatment modalities include systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Other reported treatments are methotrexate, dapsone, and cyclophosphamide. Finally, the use of biological therapy is still limited in this region.

Pyoderma gangrenosum in hematologic malignancies: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a devastating neutrophilic dermatosis that may be associated with trauma or systemic diseases. The associations, characteristics, and temporal relationship of PG with hematologic malignancies are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review of PG associated with hematologic malignancies using data from case reports, case series, and retrospective studies.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science from each database's inception to December 12, 2018. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-nine publications met the inclusion criteria (340 cases). Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was the most commonly reported hematologic malignancy associated with PG, followed by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and acute myeloid leukemia. The mean age of patients was 56.5 years, with males being more common. There was a predominance of the ulcerative PG subtype and multifocal distributions across all hematologic malignancies. The majority of MDS cases preceded PG, which was reversed for MGUS.

LIMITATIONS

The data were limited by reporting bias because PG subtypes rely on the rendered diagnosis reported. In addition, the classification for hematologic malignancies has evolved since 1978.

CONCLUSION

Patients with PG should be evaluated for hematologic malignancies, with MDS being the most common.

[Complex treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum after minor trauma and primary surgical intervention with suspected necrotizing fasciitis]

This article presents the case of a rapidly progressing pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) following a minor trauma and surgical intervention. A 46-year-old patient was admitted to hospital after a minor trauma of the right lower leg with a suspected diagnosis of erysipelas bullosum. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed the suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) with indications for immediate incision and fascia resection. According to the results of the histopathological analysis and microbiological assessment without signs for a bacterial infection, high-dose steroid treatment and immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporin A were initiated under the assumption of PG. Additionally, the patient was treated with hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). The 2‑year follow-up showed a gradual restitution of the soft tissues.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Masquerading as Necrotizing Fasciitis: Stepping Away from Cognitive Shortcuts

A patient with post-Cesarean wound complication was treated for necrotizing fasciitis (NF) with sharp debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Several operations and three weeks later, her abdominal skin, subcutaneous fat, right-sided rectus abdominus, and underlying fascia had been removed without any improvement in granulation tissue. Original pathology samples demonstrated sheets of necrosis consistent with NF, but were re-reviewed by a dermatopathologist who diagnosed the patient with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). She was started on high-dose steroids and dapsone, and her wound quickly showed signs of improvement. Anchor bias delayed the initiation of steroids and diagnosis of PG as the surgical, medical, and consulting teams were hesitant to stray from the diagnosis of NF.