Pyoderma gangrenosum ‒ cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, neutrophilic dermatosis with extracutaneous manifestations and associated systemic disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis and haematological malignancies. The pathogenesis of PG is still not fully understood. The cutaneous lesions are often polymorphic and include papules, nodules, sterile pustules with erythematous induration, which quickly evolve into necrotic painful ulcerations. PG can also affect lungs, spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bones and eyes. The treatment of PG is long and challenging and involves the use of sytemic corticoteroids, immunosupressive drugs and biological therapies with concomitant pain management and wound care.