[Multiple abscesses after a cruise along the Latin American coast]

Internist (Berl). 2016 Mar;57(3):284-8. doi: 10.1007/s00108-015-0004-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

We report a case of an extracutaneous involvement of pyoderma gangrenosum. The patient initially presented with multiple sterile abscesses of the skin, heart, prostate, and kidney. Extracutaneous involvement in pyoderma gangrenosum is very rare. Confirmation of the diagnosis was only possible after exclusion of other relevant differential diagnoses. Continuous search for microbes proved negative and after an empiric therapeutic attempt with prednisolone, the patient improved quickly. However, each time we reduced the steroids even in combination with methotrexate or with azathioprine the patient relapsed. Only after therapy with the tumor necrosis factor-α-inhibitor infliximab was permanent remission achieved.

Keywords: Abscess, sterile; Extracutaneous affection; Prednisolone; Pyoderma gangrenosum; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, inhibitor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Abscess / drug therapy*
  • Aged
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Infliximab / administration & dosage*
  • Latin America
  • Male
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / diagnosis*
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / drug therapy*
  • Travel*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Infliximab