A Case of the Co-Existence of Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis and Pyoderma Gangrenosum and a Review of the Literature

Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018 Jul 8;6(7):1271-1274. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.214. eCollection 2018 Jul 20.

Abstract

Background: Subcorneal pustular dermatosis, also known as Sneddon-Wilkinson disease, can be classified as one of the neutrophilic dermatoses together with pyoderma gangrenosum. The development of both SPD and PG in the same patient has rarely been reported and may be a strong indicator of IgA dysglobulinemia.

Case report: We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with a 2-year history of relapsing pustular eruptions mainly affecting the abdomen, gluteus region, elbows, and the extremities. Four years after the onset of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD), she developed pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) on her right hand. In literature, the coexistence of SPD and PG in the same patient has already been described. This co-occurrence might indicate a certain predisposition for immune dysregulation.

Conclusion: Although the two NDs are often associated with systemic diseases, these patients should be followed up for any malignancy because of the strong association between these disorders.

Keywords: Pyoderma gangrenosum; Sneddon-Wilkinson disease; Subcorneal pustular dermatosis; neutrophilic dermatoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports