Delayed diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum: a case study

Ostomy Wound Manage. 2008 Nov;54(11):32-6.

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PD) is a rare, chronic, relapsing, ulcerative, neutrophilic cutaneous disease and may be difficult to recognize. It is not uncommon for PD to be mistakenly diagnosed as vascular occlusive or venous disease, vasculitis, cancer, infection, exogenous tissue injury, or other inflammatory disorders. A 55-year-old woman with a 5-year history of a very painful and enlarging ulcer presented at the authors' clinic. Previously, based on an original diagnosis of venous ulcer, the wound had been surgically debrided and managed with saline-soaked gauze and compression therapy. After the authors secured a complete history (which included rheumatoid arthritis) and assessment, PD was suspected. A biopsy was performed for histological confirmation. Pyoderma gangrenosum treatment, including oral corticosteroids and topical 0.01% tacrolimus twice daily covered with nonadhesive gauze and compression wrapping, was started. After 4 weeks, the wound had improved noticeably and pain medications to manage wound pain were discontinued. The wound was completely healed after 4 months. The presence or absence of PD must be ascertained in all patients who present with a history of painful lower leg ulcers and PD risk factors, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bandages
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Medical History Taking
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / diagnosis*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / etiology
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / therapy
  • Rare Diseases
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Stockings, Compression
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Varicose Ulcer / diagnosis
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus