Perioperative management and clinical outcomes of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum

Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon subtype of pyoderma gangrenosum mainly affecting stoma sites of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. While surgical treatments are often used to assist healing, little is known about the relationship between surgical interventions and the rate of recurrence of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum. The aim of this study was to identify patient and clinical factors associated with peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum recurrence following surgical intervention. A multi-institutional retrospective case series and literature review was conducted to evaluate patient characteristics and perioperative treatment. Patients of any age with peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum undergoing surgical operations related to their pyoderma gangrenosum or due to another comorbidity were included. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographic information. Associations were evaluated using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical data. Thirty-seven cases were included, 78.3% of which had a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Overall, 13 (35.1%) cases experienced recurrence at 30 days. There was no significant association identified between patient demographics, stoma location, surgical intervention, or perioperative treatment with rate of recurrence at 30 days post-operation. While no clinical risk factors or treatments were associated with recurrence, our work underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to this disease to address gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and surgical components of treatment.

Wound Debridement in Pyoderma Gangrenosum

BACKGROUND

Wound debridement improves healing in a variety of acute and chronic ulcers. However, there is concern that debridement may trigger pathergy and worsen pyoderma gangrenosum (PG).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether published evidence supports conservative wound debridement for PG.

DATA SOURCES

The authors reviewed the literature published in MEDLINE through January 2023 using the search germs "pyoderma gangrenosum" and "debridement."

STUDY SELECTION

Articles reporting sharp surgical debridement or maggot debridement for PG were included in the review. The authors also searched the reference sections of the reviewed articles for additional reports on debridement for PG.

DATA EXTRACTION

Clinical data regarding patient status, procedures performed, and patient outcomes were extracted from the selected articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS

There are multiple reports of uncontrolled, active-phase PG wounds worsening after aggressive excisional debridement of viable inflamed tissues. In contrast, there is no evidence indicating that conservative debridement of nonviable necrotic tissue worsens PG wounds, regardless of the disease activity. There are multiple reports of successful debridement and surgical grafting for PG in remission.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence in favor of or against using conservative debridement of nonviable necrotic tissue for a PG wound. Therefore, it should not be considered contraindicated, even in the active phase of the disease.

Postsurgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Report

CASE

A 61-year-old woman with lower back and radicular leg pain underwent minimally invasive spinal fusion at L5-S1. By postoperative day 6, she exhibited erythema, wound dehiscence, and necrotic changes. Although a necrotizing infection was initially suspected, multiple debridements and antibiotic therapy failed to improve her condition. The patient was eventually diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and was managed with immunosuppressants and extended wound care.

CONCLUSION

PG is a rare dermatosis that is often misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment, debridements, and additional complications. Prompt identification and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to preventing unnecessary interventions and achieving the best outcomes.

Clinical efficacy of human split-thickness skin allograft in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum: a case series

INTRODUCTION

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon inflammatory skin disease that is characterized clinically by the development of painful pustules that subsequently progress to large cutaneous ulcers. There is no universally effective treatment for PG, and a combination of local and systemic therapies is often used to manage it. Biologically active, cryopreserved human skin allograft (BSA) has become a standard part of the treatment algorithm for complex nonhealing wounds. These allografts facilitate the wound healing cascade by delivering the essential biologically active compounds of fresh skin to the wound bed and promoting wound bed revascularization.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this case series was to illustrate how the use of human split-thickness allografts positively contributes to wound healing in patients with PG.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

Five cases highlighting the efficacy of a BSA in achieving clinical wound healing in patients with complex PG ulcerations are presented. Clinical findings appear to indicate that the positive effect of BSA in combination with systemic therapies on wound beds in patients with PG is because of a combination of both the unique alterations in the patient's immune system in addition to the possible delays in clearance of cellular components of the allograft, which promote the strong inosculation and revascularization necessary for wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

The BSA studied herein appears to aid in wound healing because it has natural components found in human skin that facilitate wound healing, and it eliminates the potential for pathergy because no graft harvesting from the host is performed. These allografts can be applied numerous times, and each has the major essential components of human skin wound healing for a more rapid and complete epithelialization.

Management of Postsurgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Role for a Dermal Regeneration Template

INTRODUCTION

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a relatively uncommon necrotizing and ulcerative cutaneous disorder. It is often associated with a systemic inflammatory disease but may also present following trauma to the skin due to pathergy. Given its rare occurrence and nonspecific histology, PG is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion, which often results in delayed treatment. Very few cases of PG following autologous breast reconstruction have been reported in the literature, particularly in the absence of systemic disease.

CASE REPORT

Presented is the case of a 62-year-old female with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ who underwent a left breast mastectomy with immediate deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction complicated by fever and leukocytosis as well as erythema, edema, and bullae involving the mastectomy flaps. Initially, necrotizing soft-tissue infection was suspected, and 2 debridements were performed. A diagnosis of PG was made on postoperative day 7, and the patient responded favorably to high-dose prednisone. Reconstruction was performed with a bilayer wound matrix and delayed skin grafting. Despite significant loss of mastectomy skin flap, the free flap was preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PG is a rare complication, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with atypical presentation of infection following breast reconstruction, even in the absence of systemic inflammatory disease. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management may prevent unnecessary surgical intervention and enable flap preservation. Furthermore, bilayer wound matrix placement may be useful as an intermediate reconstruction to determine if it is safe to proceed with skin grafting to avoid further pathergy. The findings in this case suggest that final reconstruction may be safely performed sooner than noted in the literature.

Surgical Management of Lower Extremity Pyoderma Gangrenosum With Viable Cryopreserved Umbilical Tissue: A Case Series

INTRODUCTION

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin disease that often presents as a uniquely painful and necrotic ulceration of the lower extremity. Pyoderma gangrenosum is often misdiagnosed and can have deleterious consequences to the patient, as there is no gold standard treatment and it can be difficult to manage. Surgery for these wounds is controversial, as pathergy can develop, worsening the ulceration. Advanced wound care products such as cellular- and/or tissue-based products (CTPs) are effective in helping stagnant chronic wounds reach full closure. Amnion/chorion-based skin substitutes that have been cryopreserved and contain viable cells have been shown to promote more cell recruitment and reduce inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

This case series presents evidence of using a cryopreserved umbilical cord tissue with living cells in adjunctive treatment of wounds associated with PG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This report presents 3 different clinical scenarios of lower extremity PG treated surgically with viable cryopreserved umbilical tissue (vCUT).

RESULTS

All 3 patients were successfully treated with vCUT and resulted in complete healing.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case series demonstrating the ability of vCUT to heal these difficult-to-treat ulcers. In addition, it may be an effective modality to adjunctive management of PG.

Unilateral granuloma annulare in association with pyoderma gangrenosum and chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a fairly common inflammatory skin condition with a range of clinical subtypes. We describe an unusual case of unilateral GA confined to the thigh on a previously amputated limb. A man in his 80s with a past medical history of below-knee amputation of the left leg owing to severe leg ulcers from pyoderma gangrenosum, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and dyslipidemia developed a slowly spreading eruption on the distal stump spreading proximally. On physical examination, he had numerous non-scaly violaceous papules and annular plaques from the stump to the lateral, medial, and anterior thigh. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of GA. The extensive, chronic lesions make this presentation of GA very unusual in that it shares features of both localized and generalized forms. Moreover, the temporal and spatial association with pyoderma gangrenosum is unique and may reflect a related inflammatory pathway.

Application of Viable Cryopreserved Human Placental Membrane Grafts in the Treatment of Wounds of Diverse Etiologies: A Case Series

There is evidence in the literature that viable cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCHPM) grafts are effective in treating diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

This case series presents 3 cases of chronic ulcerations - 1 arterial ulcer (AU), 1 pressure ulcer (PU), and 1 recurrence of a pyoderma gangrenosum ulcer (PGU) - that had failed previous courses of standard wound care and were subsequently treated with vCHPM to determine if the treatment is an effective modality for treating wounds of these etiologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective review describes 3 cases in which patients with chronic wounds that had failed standard of care treatments for more than 4 weeks were subsequently treated with weekly applications of vCHPM. Each wound area was recorded and photographed on a weekly basis and wound area reduction also was charted weekly.

RESULTS

The PU and AU both reached full closure in 4 and 5 weeks, respectively, without complication. The patient with the PGU achieved 64% closure after 9 applications of vCHPM.

CONCLUSIONS

Viable CHPM is an effective treatment modality for wounds of diverse etiologies and shows better results than have been previously published with standard of care. In patients with PGUs, medical optimization and close management of comorbidities is essential in achieving optimal results.

Postoperative Pyoderma Gangrenosum Following Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

<p>Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic, ulcerative dermatosis that can develop at sites of cutaneous trauma, including surgical incisions, a phenomenon known as pathergy. The characteristic lesion is a painful, rapidly expanding ulceration with a violaceous undermined border.¹ A biopsy taken from the expanding violaceous border shows predominantly neutrophilic dermal inflammation with neutrophilic abscess formation.</p> <p>The etiology of PG appears to be variable among patients, as about a half of the reported cases are associated with systemic disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or myeloproliferative disorders, while the other half seem to be idiopathic.² PG is difficult to diagnose as other etiologies, including infectious, vasculitic, and other inflammatory dermatoses, must be excluded.¹ Histopathologic and biochemical markers of PG, such as dermal neutrophilic infiltrate or overexpression of interleukin-8,³ respectively, are not pathognomonic. Given that several drugs, such as hydralazine, mesalamine, and sunitinib, are reportedly associated with PG, failure to recognize this association and stop these medications may delay diagnosis and therapy. We report a case of idiopathic postoperative PG following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(7):711-713.</em></p>.

Ecthyma gangrenosum in a 3-month-old, previously healthy infant: A Case Report

RATIONALE

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an aggressive cutaneous disease caused by local or systemic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. EG is characterized by cutaneous manifestations ranging from nodule and papule, to necrotic ulceration with surrounding erythema, especially with black eschar or central crust. EG presents with characteristic skin lesions which is important to establish diagnosis of sepsis caused by P aeruginosa, a serious condition that can be treated efficiently if diagnosed early.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 3-month-old female infant was presented with characteristic skin lesions of EG and developed sepsis 3 days later.

DIAGNOSES

Ecthyma gangrenosum and sepsis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

INTERVENTIONS

Meropenem was used in combination with ceftazidime at first and excision of necrotic skin lesions was performed later.

OUTCOMES

Cure.

LESSONS

Early recognition of EG plays an important role in providing appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment at early stage of sepsis, and improves the prognosis. Surgical excision may be helpful if no improvement was achieved via antibiotic treatment.

[A Case of Pyoderma Gangrenosum of the Penis Difficult to Distinguish from Fournier Gangrene]

Here, we report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum of the penis which was difficult to distinguish from Fournier gangrene. The patient was a 54-year-old male who was aware of redness and swelling of the glanspenis for 1 month prior to a consultation at our department. Although he was diagnosed with herpes and treated at a nearby hospital, his symptoms did not improve. Subsequently, the patient visited our department following the onset of pain and fever. During his initial consultation, he had a fever of 39 °C as well as redness and swelling of the glans penis with partial spontaneous purulent discharge. His blood test revealed an elevated white blood cell count (20, 000/μl) and C-reactive protein (19.1 mg/dl). Because Fournier gangrene was suspected, administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents was initiated but proved to be ineffective. An abscess (2 cm in diameter) was also noted in the umbilical region.Enterococcus faecalis was detected by the bacterial culture ; and therefore, Fournier gangrene was diagnosed. A partial penectomy was performed to control the infection. Pathological findings showed only non-specific inflammation ; however, fever persisted postoperatively and blood test results showed no improvement. Furthermore, new abscess lesions emerged on the right heel and back. Because the re-performed abscess bacterial culture test result was negative, pyoderma gangrenosum was suspected, and he was started on oral prednisolone (20 mg/day). On the following day, his fever subsided and his blood test results also showed improvement. A final diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was ultimately made.

[A case of abscess of corpus cavernosum as an early symptom of penile pyodermal gangrenosum: we propose the possibility of a new pathogenic finding]

A 76-year-old man with a mass on the penis and a pain during nighttime erection was referred to our institution. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed a high-intensity area in the dorsal part of corpus cavernosum. We diagnosed him with the abscess of corpus cavernosum. Surgical drainage and chemotherapy had been performed for 3 years. However, it recurred consistently and developed several cutaneous draining fistulae. The abscess culture was sterile. Skin biopsy revealed a diagnosis of penile pyoderma gangrenosum, which was treated successfully with prednisolone and an immunosuppressive drug. Twenty nine cases of the abscess of corpus cavernosum have been reported in the literature. Most of the recurrent cases tend to be idiopathic corpus cavernosum abscess with sterile culture and finally penectomy is performed. Based on this case, we propose a new notion that corpus cavernosum abscess can be an early symptom of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Pyoderma gangrenosum and high titer serum anti-CCP2 antibodies

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon ulcerative cutaneous neutrophilic dermatosis. In about 50 percent of cases, it is associated with systemic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythromatosus, hematological diseases and various malignancies. There is no specific laboratory finding or histological features pathognomonic of pyoderma gangrenosum and it is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Here, we report an elderly female without history of any systemic disorders, presenting to us with extensive, bilaterally symmetrical, deep leg ulcers along with multiple superficial ulcers involving the right groin which was diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum. The only positive rheumatologic marker was serum anti-cyclic cittrulinated peptide2 antibody, which was found to be strongly positive. Dramatic response to systemic corticosteroid followed by successful split skin grafting was observed in our patient.

Fatal pyoderma gangrenosum with pathergy after coronary artery bypass grafting

Surgeons and others who perform invasive procedures should be aware of the possibility of pyoderma gangrenosum and the risk of pathergy in patients who have a history of unexplained skin ulcers or poor wound-healing. We report the case of a 70-year-old man in whom diffuse erythema over the anterior chest wall and marked leukocytosis developed after coronary artery bypass grafting. This prompted débridement and opening of the sternotomy wound. The cause of the erythema was pyoderma gangrenosum that expressed the pathergy phenomenon. The pyoderma gangrenosum subsequently involved the saphenous vein harvest site, a chest-tube site, and a previously healed abdominal scar. The patient died when an exposed saphenous vein graft was perforated. To our knowledge, this is the 9th reported case of pathergy due to pyoderma gangrenosum after coronary artery bypass grafting and the first with a fatal outcome.

Successful treatment of wound breakdown caused by pyoderma gangrenosum after total knee arthroplasty

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare ulcerative disorder of the skin of unknown etiology. We present a case of pyoderma gangrenosum that occurred following total knee arthroplasty, which was initially misdiagnosed as severe wound infection. Repeated debridement procedures resulted in a large soft tissue defect around the anterior knee joint. The patient was treated successfully with a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap under immunosuppressive therapy. Pyoderma gangrenosum is often misdiagnosed as an infected wound, but the treatment for theses differential diagnoses is completely different. When a lesion is refractory to thorough treatment for infection, a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum should be considered.

An interdisciplinary approach to the prevention and treatment of groin wound complications after lower extremity revascularization

BACKGROUND

If not effectively treated, groin wound infections following lower extremity revascularization (LER) may result in graft or limb loss.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent muscle flap transposition by a single surgeon after LER between 2006 and 2010.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine muscle transposition flaps were performed in 24 patients (21 sartorius, 6 rectus femoris, and 2 gracilis). Nineteen were for treatment of groin wound infections, two for treatment of lymphocele, one for coverage of exposed graft in the setting of pyoderma gangrenosum, and seven for infection prophylaxis. Two graft losses followed flap placement. The limb loss rate was 4%. When performed for therapeutic purposes, graft salvage rates were 100% for autogenous and 92% for synthetic grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle transposition flaps are an effective means of graft salvage in the setting of groin wound complications following LER and should be considered for infection prophylaxis in high-risk patients.

[Topical negative pressure and skin transplantation for the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare idiopathic, autoimmune and inflammatory disease characterized by the development of ulcerative skin lesions. A 58 year-old woman, diagnosed with biopsy-verified PG was admitted to the Wound Center at Odense University Hospital, with rapid progression of painful, necrotic PG lesions on both crura. The lesions were treated, in collaboration with the dermatologists, with systemic steroids, topical negative pressure treatments and surgical revision in addition to partial skin graft with good results. Following the treatment the patient has been pain free and without recurrence for 11 months.

[Presentation of atypical bullous pyoderma gangrenosum]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, ulcerative skin disease. Atypical PG is characterized by rapidly evolving painful vesicles and enlarging bullae. Minor trauma or surgery is considered the cause in 25-50% of PG lesions. PG often mimics necrotizing infection and may therefore be inadequately treated. We present a patient with rapidly progressing bullous PG. The lesions were initially treated surgically, which led to exacerbation of the ulcers. A decision of surgery should be preceded by bacterial culture and microscopy and in case of uncertain diagnosis also by histopathologic examination.

[Conservative dressing change method in treatment of skin necrosis after open reduction with internal fixation of calcaneal fracture]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of conservative dressing change method in treating skin necrosis after open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of calcaneal fracture.

METHODS

Between November 2007 and June 2010, 21 cases of skin necrosis after ORIF of calcaneal fracture were treated, including 18 cases of Sanders type II and 3 cases of Sanders type III. There were 20 males and 1 female with an average age of 33.1 years (range, 23-60 years). All fractures were close fractures and were treated by ORIF with plate. Skin necrosis occurred at 3-5 days (mean, 4 days) after internal fixation. The interval of internal fixation and conservative dressing change was 3-10 days (mean, 6 days). Of 21 cases, 10 cases had superficial skin necrosis with a size range of 1-10 cm in length and 0.5-1.5 cm in width, and 11 cases had deep skin necrosis with a size range of 1-8 cm in length and 0.5-1.5 cm in width. The conservative dressing change method was performed. Alcohol (75%) was used at the edge of the zone of skin necrosis, whereas saline in the central of the wound every 2-3 days. The necrosed tissue in the wound was reserved as more as possible. No patient was given antibiotic.

RESULTS

Scab formed and subcrust healing was observed after 6-30 days (mean, 16 days) in 20 patients, 1 patient failed for discontinue treatment. No case had deep infection or osteomyelitis. The mean treatment time was 7.8 days (range, 6-14 days) in 10 cases of superficial skin necrosis, and was 23.1 days (range, 14-30 days) in 10 cases of deep skin necrosis. All cases were followed up 92 days on average (range, 54-123 days). The scar was usually dark red and hard, protruding from the normal skin. No patient had difficulty in weight bearing or walking.

CONCLUSION

Skin necrosis after ORIF of calcaneal fracture can be cured by the conservative dressing change method, and this conservative method is effective and economic.

[Autodermoplasty with split skin grafts in treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare infectious disease which usually shows itself as painful ulcers on the lower leg. At the present time the autoimmune nature of the disease seems to be most probable. PG is characterized by a phenomenon of pathergy--actuation of the inflammatory process and appearance of ulcers in traumas of the skin. So autodermoplasty of the ulcers in case of PG was "under a ban". In the recent time there appeared publications justifying using methods under conditions of systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Unfortunately the latter is often associated with a great number of side effects which sometimes can result in death.

[Epidemiology of pediatric dermatologic surgery: a retrospective study of 996 children]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiology of skin surgery performed in the dermatology department of Hospital Clínico Universitario in Valencia, Spain, on children up to 16 years of age. The study analyzed a 9-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A retrospective review was performed of all tissue excisions and biopsies taken between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2007, from patients up to 16 years of age seen in the dermatology department of Hospital Clínico Universitario. The following data were collected: age, sex, surgical site, and histopathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2007, 33840 lesions were analyzed histologically; 996 of the lesions (2.94%) were from patients up to 16 years of age, of whom 502 (50.40%) were girls and 484 (49.60%) were boys. The mean age was 11.06 years. The majority (47.39%) of excisions were performed in children of 12 to 16 years. The distribution of the remainder by age groups was as follows: <1 year, 34 excisions (3.41%); >1 to <4 years, 66 (6.63%); >4 to <8 years, 154 (15.46%); and >8 to <12 years, 270 (27.11%). The most common diagnosis was melanocytic nevus (50.20%), followed by pilomatrixoma (4.62%), capillary angioma (3.61%), epidermal cyst (3.61%), Spitz nevus (3.31%), and pyogenic granuloma (3.11%).

CONCLUSION

Dermatologic surgery in patients up to 16 years of age accounted for a small percentage of the overall dermatologic surgery in our hospital; the majority of children were in the 12 to <16 year age group. Most children had benign lesions, with melanocytic nevus being by far the most common diagnosis. The majority of lesions were on the trunk, followed by the head and neck. In conclusion, compared with the literature reviewed, ours is the only series on dermatologic surgery in children. It is of interest because it defines the most common conditions in these patients.

Medical and surgical management of paraneoplastic pyoderma gangrenosum--a case report and review of the literature

We present a case of a 44-year-old male with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) presenting simultaneously with diagnosis of acute leukemia. His skin disease was stabilized with corticosteroids and most lesions cleared after chemotherapy-induced remission of the malignancy, but the largest lesion remained necrotic. Surgical treatment of the large necrotic ulcer included debridement followed by split-thickness skin graft while maintaining corticoid therapy. Unfortunately, relapse of the pyoderma gangrenosum with bullous lesions heralded relapse of the ultimately fatal malignancy. This case illustrates: (1) PG presenting simultaneously with a haematologic malignancy (2) Relapse with atypical bullous lesions with return of the malignancy and (3) The use of surgical modalities in managing patients with PG, a disease notorious for surgical complications.

Pyoderma gangranosum of the penis

We report a patient who developed pyoderma gangrenosum in the penis with invasion of the distal urethra. The patient was treated with prednisolone and thalidomide, followed by a reconstructive surgical repair using a scrotal island flap. We report this case with a brief review of the literature.

Aeromonas hydrophila ecthyma gangrenosum without bacteraemia in a diabetic man: the first case report in Italy

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a well recognized cutaneous manifestation of severe, invasive infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa usually in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. This type of infection is usually fatal. Aeromonas infection is infrequently reported as the cause of ecthyma gangrenosum. Here we show the first case described in Italy of Aeromonas hydrophila ecthyma gangrenosum in the lower extremities in an immunocompetent diabetic without bacteraemia. A 63-year-old obese diabetic male was admitted with an ulcer on his left leg, oedema, pain and fever. Throughout his hospitalization blood cultures remained sterile, but a culture of A. hydrophila was isolated following punctures from typical leg pseudomonal-ecthyma gangrenosum lesions developed after admission. The patient, questioned again, stated that a few days before he had worked in a well near his house without taking precautions. We conclude that early diagnosis and suitable antibiotic therapy are important for the management of ecthyma gangrenosum. The typical presentation of soft tissue infection of A. hydrophila should mimic a Gram-positive infection, which may result in a delay in administration of appropriate antibiotics. Moreover, A. hydrophila should be considered a possible agent for non-pseudomonal ecthyma gangrenosum in a diabetic man with negative blood cultures, in presence of anamnestical risk factors.

Pyoderma gangrenosum masquerading as necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant advancing soft tissue infection characterized by widespread fascial necrosis, which can result in significant morbidity and even death. This condition requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive management with extensive surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotic coverage. Pyoderma gangrenosum, in contrast, is a noninfectious inflammatory condition of the skin that typically does not require surgical management. Both conditions can present with extensive ulceration and tissue necrosis, and close clinical-pathologic correlation is required to make the appropriate diagnosis. We present a case in which the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was initially elusive and serves to illuminate the diagnostic pitfalls in dealing with these entities.

Case report: a case of pyoderma gangrenosum with intractable leg ulcers treated by allogeneic cultured dermal substitutes

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an idiopathic, inflammatory, ulcerative disease of undetermined cause. Both topical and systemic treatments of corticosteroids and cyclosporine are commonly used for the ulcers of PG, but these ulcers are often intractable despite treatment. We employed allogeneic cultured dermal substitutes (CDS) in a patient with intractable ulcers due to PG. The CDS was prepared by cultured human fibroblasts on two-layered sponges of extracellular matrix such as hyaluronic acid and atelo-collagen. In the present case, re-epithelization and healthy granulation were induced by the CDS without increasing the dosage of systemic prednisolone. Then the subsequent autologous skin graft was successfully performed. This indicates that CDS is one of the useful tools for the treatment of intractable ulcers in patients with PG.

[Pyoderma gangrenosum: diagnostic and therapeutic challenge]

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare ulcerative disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis or haematological malignancies. The diagnosis of Pyoderma gangrenosum is often delayed while consideration is given to the more likely diagnoses of wound breakdown or bacterial infection. The outcome depends on early diagnosis and on excellent collaboration between the surgical team and the infectious disease specialist. We present two puzzling cases of Pyoderma gangrenosum and discuss the physiopathology, the diagnosis strategy and the management.

Significance of erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum in inflammatory bowel diseases: a cohort study of 2402 patients

Erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum are the most common cutaneous manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We conducted the current study to assess the cumulative prevalence of erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum in patients with IBD and to appraise their association with demographic, clinical, and prognostic factors related to IBD. Between 2000 and 2005, data for all patients with IBD at our gastroenterology department were prospectively and systematically collected using a standardized protocol. Among 2402 patients (1521 diagnosed with Crohn disease [63.3%] and 744 with ulcerative colitis [31.0%]), 140 (5.8%) had at least 1 skin manifestation. The most frequent dermatologic symptoms were erythema nodosum (4.0%) and pyoderma gangrenosum (0.75%). In multivariate analyses, erythema nodosum was significantly and independently associated with a diagnosis of Crohn disease (p < 0.001), female sex (p < 0.001), eye and joint involvement (p < 0.001), and pyoderma gangrenosum (p < 0.0001). Among patients with Crohn disease, erythema nodosum was associated with isolated colonic involvement (p = 0.0001). Pyoderma gangrenosum was significantly and independently associated with black African origin (p = 0.003), familial history of ulcerative colitis (p = 0.0005), uninterrupted pancolitis as the initial location of IBD (p = 0.03), permanent stoma (p = 0.002), eye involvement (p = 0.001), and erythema nodosum (p < 0.0001). It is noteworthy that the association between pyoderma gangrenosum and permanent stoma persisted after exclusion of patients with peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (p = 0.07). In conclusion, neither erythema nodosum nor pyoderma gangrenosum was significantly associated with the severity criteria in IBD; however, their occurrence may reflect a peculiar phenotype among affected patients.

Pustular pyoderma gangrenosum: an uncommon variant which is easily misdiagnosed

Pustular pyoderma gangrenosum is a relatively uncommon clinical form of pyoderma gangrenosum; it presents with vesiculo-pustular lesions that do not develop into frank ulceration. We report a case of a 44-year-old man with associated ulcerative colitis, who was misdiagnosed as having necrotizing fasciitis. He underwent multiple debridements and a subsequent skin grafting procedure, but without improvement. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum is often challenging because there is no defining diagnostic clinical, laboratory, or histopathological feature. A high index of suspicion is, therefore, essential to diagnose pyoderma gangrenosum clinically because failure to do so in the early stages of the disease can lead to disfigurement and even unnecessary and detrimental surgery.

[Gangrenous pyoderma and enterocutaneous fistulas after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis]

We describe the medical-surgical management of a patient with a complex inflammatory bowel disease who developed 2 acute episodes of pyoderma gangrenosum and enterocutaneous fistulas after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. The rarity of this postsurgical complication is emphasized. A good response to topical tacrolimus was achieved in cutaneous wounds. A less favorable response to infliximab was achieved in the abdominal fistulas, requiring surgical excision of the pouch.

Differenzialdiagnose „steriler“ phlegmonöser Entzündungen der Hand

INTRODUCTION

Bacterial infections represent a large proportion of emergencies in hand surgery. In some cases, pyoderma gangrenosum and mycobacterial infection may present with the same symptoms of swelling, pain, and purulent secretion. In these cases, operative treatment would be harmful. Therefore two cases-pyoderma gangrenosum and tuberculosis-are presented here in relation to common bacterial hand infection.

METHODS

Using two case reports of diseases that only rarely affect the hands, their relevance to differential diagnosis is shown with reference to the literature.

RESULTS

In both cases, we found clinical symptoms of bacterial hand infection with negative bacterial smear tests. After several debridements, pyoderma gangrenosum of the dorsum of the hand was diagnosed in one patient after pyodermiform lesions at the thigh and the nasal septum were detected and pre-existing colitis ulcerosa was taken into consideration. Corticoid therapy induced complete remission. The second patient with similar clinical symptoms had been operated on at another hospital several times before being transferred to our institution. The presumptive diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was made, and under treatment with prednisone the symptoms quickly improved. After 2 weeks, the wound conditions and the patient's condition rapidly worsened. Following amputation at the upper arm level, the patient died of septic multiple organ failure. Autopsy studies revealed tuberculous sepsis originating from the hand.

DISCUSSION

Patient history should be evaluated carefully because of its value to correct diagnosis. In case of negative smear tests, especially from immunocompromised, elderly patients and in patients with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, Ziehl-Neelsen staining should be obtained. In case of multilocular affection or pre-existing chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the presumptive diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum can be confirmed by biopsies from the lesions margin. In both cases, unnecessary traumatizing operations could thus be avoided and treatment optimized.

Pyoderma gangrenosum: a challenging complication of bilateral mastopexy

A case of pyoderma gangrenosum progressively developing after bilateral mastopexy at the surgical site is described. The described case was successfully treated with corticosteroids, the application of the dermal regeneration template Integra and autologous skin grafts. This approach was able to save the patient's life and to generate a high-quality aesthetical outcome. The article reported the case, reviewed the literature of pyoderma gangrenosum related to mastopexy or augmentation mammoplasty and discussed the use of a dermal regeneration template to optimise aesthetical results after reconstructive surgery.

Intestinal Behcet’s disease with pyoderma gangrenosum: A case report

We report here a very rare case of intestinal Behcet’s disease with pyoderma gangrenosum. A 16-year-old woman who was diagnosed with intestinal Behcet’s disease by the presence of cutaneous pathergy together with two major criteria (oral and genital aphthoses) and one minor criterion (gastrointestinal manifestations), was referred to our hospital with a left lower leg ulcer and abdominal pain in September 1989. Colonoscopy demonstrated flare-up colitis involving the entire colon. Her lower leg lesion was a painful destructive ulcer with an irregular margin and a ragged overhanging edge. Based on these clinical and laboratory findings, we diagnosed her cutaneous ulcer as pyoderma gangrenosum developing with exacerbated intestinal Behcet’s disease. Her cutaneous and intestinal lesions were poorly controlled though she received oral prednisolone treatment for a month. Because of aggravated abdominal symptoms with peritoneal irritation, we performed total colectomy in November 1989. The resected specimen was histologically compatible with intestinal Behcet’s disease showing severe inflammation with deep ulcerations and neutrophil accumulation. Subsequently, pyoderma gangrenosum rapidly improved. This clinical course may suggest the close relationship between pyoderma gangrenosum and intestinal Behcet’s disease.

Simultaneous Bilateral Microvascular Tissue Transfer for Soft-Tissue Defects of the Lower Extremities in Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a necrotizing skin disease of unknown etiology. The lesions are painful and occur mostly on the lower extremities, either single or multiple, but can appear in any region of the body. The authors report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum involving bilateral skin lesions over the anterior surface of the legs in a 13-year-old male patient. The lesions presented with ulcerative colitis, which is one of the most commonly associated diseases of pyoderma gangrenosum. After examination, systemic immunosuppressive treatment was administered and the progression of the disease was controlled. The lesions were treated with the simultaneous application of two free anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flaps after radical debridement. The procedure was successfully performed and no recurrence was observed. Although microvascular free tissue transfer cannot be performed in a standard fashion in pyoderma gangrenosum cases because of the risk of pathergy response, it should be considered as a surgical option in selected cases, otherwise difficult to manage, with the simultaneous application of appropriate systemic medical treatment.

[Surgical therapy for hand infections Part 2]

Due to its function, anatomy, and exposition to multiple pathogens, the hand is highly susceptible to infection. Most of these infections are post-traumatic. Isolates of pathogens from infected hands contain mainly Staphylococcus aureus and ss-haemolytic group A streptococci. But differential diagnosis also includes pyoderma gangrenosum, tumors of the hand, rheumatoid arthritis, and articular gout, as they may mimic hand infections. Infections of the hand can lead to massive tissue damage that needs to be reconstructed. The selection of methods depends on the localization and size of defects and includes primary closure, split- and full-thickness skin grafts, and more complex operations such as local, regional, and distant flaps.

Pyoderma gangraenosum associated with autoimmune thyreopathy and hyperandrogenic syndrome

An unusual clinical appearance and course of pyoderma gangraenosum (PG) in a 35-year-old woman is presented. Signs of both the ulcerative and vegetative forms of PG were expressed. The association of two systemic diseases, the autoimmune thyreopathy and the hyperandrogenic syndrome were observed in a female. The recommended conventional therapy for PG: corticosteroids, antibiotics, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide yielded a poor response, whereas after thyroidectomy and reaching an euthyroid state the symptoms receded. This close association of PG and autoimmune thyreopathy supports the autoimmune concept of PG.

Pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma gangraenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a non-infectious reactive neutrophilic dermatosis which typically starts with pustules which rapidly evolve to painful ulcers of variable size and depth with undermined violaceous borders. Since its first description in 1930, the pathogenesis of PG has remained elusive even as an ever-widening range of systemic diseases has been described in association with it. The diagnosis of PG is based on clinical and pathologic features and requires exclusion of other conditions that produce ulcerations, since misdiagnosis exposes patients to risks associated with treatment. Critical to proper management are correct diagnosis, identification and treatment of any underlying disorder, and the appropriate choice of topical and systemic therapy. PG has four distinctive clinical and histologic variants, and the specific clinical features of the lesion may provide a clue to the associated disease. The most common associated diseases are inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatological or hematological disease or malignancy. Although there is no single successful treatment for PG, certain type of PG lesions are recognized to respond more readily to accepted therapies than others. Local treatment may be sufficient for mild disease, while systemic immunosuppressive therapy is necessary for severe cases. The treatments with the best clinical evidence are oral or pulse intravenous corticosteroids, and cyclosporine. Surgical therapy is useful in selected cases in conjunction with immunosuppression. Wound stabilization is obtained only through control of the systemic and local inflammatory process. Emerging therapies include use of platelet-derived growth factor and cell culture grafts when re-epithelialization is slow, and the TNF-alpha blocking agent infliximab for refractory disease. Despite advances in therapy, the long-term outcome for patients with PG remains unpredictable, because relapses are common.

Pyoderma gangrenosum--an unusual differential diagnosis for acute infection

Pyoderma gangrenosum rarely occurs in the breast and has only previously been reported in the literature in response to trauma. We describe a case occurring spontaneously in the breast that was initially mistaken for an infection.