Paraneoplastic pyoderma gangrenosum associated with adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid junction: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2019 Dec 7;13(1):372. doi: 10.1186/s13256-019-2290-6.

Abstract

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, idiopathic, inflammatory, neutrophilic dermatitis characterized by sterile skin ulceration. It can be associated with an underlying pathology, especially inflammatory bowel disease and hematological malignancies. Its association with a malignant pathology in the context of a paraneoplastic syndrome is more commonly described in hematological malignancies, with solid tumors being rare.

Case report: We report a case of a 39-year-old West African man with pyoderma gangrenosum that developed 6 months before the clinical expression of rectosigmoid junction cancer. The removal of the cancer resulted in the patient's recovery.

Conclusion: Recurrent pyoderma gangrenosum lesions may be the expression of colonic adenocarcinoma in paraneoplastic syndrome and require colonoscopy, especially in at-risk patients.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; Colonoscopy; Paraneoplastic pyoderma gangrenosum; Rectosigmoid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Adult
  • Africa, Western / epidemiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / etiology*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome