Case Report on pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum is rare neutrophilic dermatoses that exist as inflammatory and ulcerative disorders of the skin and is neither an infectious nor gangrenous condition. It is commonly associated with an autoimmune disease like ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease. It has an estimated incidence of 3-10 cases per million people per year. This is a case of a 28-year-old patient who was admitted with features of pyoderma gangrenosum: papule over the shin of the right leg which progressively increased in size. She had  a history of ulcerative colitis and type 2 Diabetes mellitus and developed a papule in the right leg one month back which progressed to a larger ulcer and a similar lesion developing proximal to this. The lesions were painful, two lesions over the right tibial shin each measuring about 5x5cm, with erythema, pedal oedema and associated with fever and She was treated with antibiotics, steroids (hydrocortisone), cyclosporine and other supportive care. Daily dressing of the wound was done, and saline compresses were applied and was advised to continue the same after discharge. With the above measures, she improved clinically and was stable at discharge. As there is no diagnostic test for PG (since it is a diagnosis of exclusion) and if the disease is present but unrecognized, the results can be devastating. Hence timely onset of therapeutic approach is of utmost importance.