Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a form of neutrophilic dermatosis often associated with inflammatory disease or blood dyscrasias. We report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum revealing Takayasu's arteritis.
Observation: A 26 year-old woman was followed since 2002 for pyoderma gangrenosum occurring during pregnancy and regressing under general corticosteroids. In January 2004, immediately after childbirth, she presented an extensive ulcerated lesion on the right forearm. Histological examination of a biopsy sample from this solution pointed towards pyoderma gangrenosum. Somatic examination showed reduced peripheral pulse on the right side, asymmetric blood pressure between the two arms and vascular murmur in the carotid, femoral and renal arteries. Based on laboratory and x-ray examinations, Takayasu's arteritis was diagnosed and chronic viral hepatitis B detected. Resumption of treatment with prednisone (1 mg/kg/d) resulted in resolution of the wounds within 1 month.
Discussion: Although pyoderma gangrenosum is a classic complication in Takayasu's arteritis in Japan, this combination is rare in Europe, North America and North Africa. This case was singular in terms of the occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum with each pregnancy. However, a number of epidemiological and clinical features were consistent with those reported in the literature, namely presentation predominantly in female patients, young age and involvement of the limbs. In 60% of cases, pyoderma gangrenosum precedes Takayasu's arteritis. The recommended mode of treatment comprises oral corticosteroids as first-line therapy followed by cyclosporine as second-line treatment.