Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Review for the Gastroenterologist

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 Nov 29;24(12):2510-2517. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izy174.

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin disease of unknown etiology often associated with systemic inflammatory conditions, most commonly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The most common presentation of PG is spontaneous rapid formation of an extremely painful ulcer on the extremities, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rarely, PG can also occur as a chronic peristomal complication or as an acute postoperative complication of a surgical wound. The clinical course is unpredictable; it may not correlate with IBD activity and may even precede a diagnosis of IBD. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment is challenging, often involving a variety of immunosuppressive therapies. This review aims to provide an update for the gastroenterologist on the pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and management of PG, a rare complication of IBD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / complications*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / diagnosis*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / etiology
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / therapy*
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Surgical Stomas / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents