Pyoderma gangrenosum

Pathology

  1. Uncommon ulcerative skin condition
  2. Associations
    • Idiopathic: 50%
    • IBD - UC, crohns
    • Autoimmune: Rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis
    • Myeloproliferative disorders- polycythemia rubra vera, myeloma
    • Infection - tertiary syphilis, amoebiasis
    • Iatrogenic - warfarin necrosis

 

 

Approach

  • Examine as for ulcers

  1. Inspect
    • ulcer with necrotic base
    • Irregular bluish-red overhanging edges
    • Associated with surrounding erythematous plaques with pustules
  2. Palpate

Completion

  1. History & Examine for evidence of
    • Ulcerative colitis
    • Crohn's
    • Rheumatoid arthritis

[Inflammatory bowel disease]

 

Treatment

  1. Medical
    • Treat underlying condition
    • Saline cleansing
    • Steroids
    • Antibiotics
  2. Surgical
    • Serial allograft followed by autologous skin graft or muscle flap coverage when necessary