Pyoderma Gangrenosum of the Breast After Mastopexy

Wounds. 2018 May;30(5):E52-E56.

Abstract

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, inflammatory, noninfectious skin disorder that is idiopathic in nature; however, it may occur as a rare complication of breast surgery. The mainstay of treatment is medical immunosuppression.

Case report: This report describes the case of a 46-year-old woman who developed PG of both breasts following bilateral reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy. She was managed with a combination of medical immunotherapy and full-thickness skin grafts, which resulted in successful wound healing.

Conclusions: This patient's positive outcome illustrates the use of skin grafts in combination with medical immunotherapy in the setting of PG. This approach, which differs from the common method of treating solely with medical immunotherapy, may provide a quicker and more satisfying result for the patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Diseases / microbiology*
  • Breast Diseases / therapy
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Free Tissue Flaps
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Mammaplasty* / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / diagnosis*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / therapy
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / physiology*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Prednisone