Widespread idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum evolved from ulcerative to vegetative type: a 10-year history with a recent response to infliximab

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008 Mar;33(2):156-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2007.02607.x. Epub 2007 Nov 15.

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an infrequent neutrophilic dermatosis, which commonly presents with a limited number of ulcerative, pustular, bullous or vegetative lesions associated with an underlying systemic disorder. We report a 34-year-old man with ulcerative PG that was exceptionally widespread and not associated with any other condition. Moreover, it was resistant to steroid treatment and, after prolonged use of ciclosporin, it unexpectedly developed a vegetative pattern, further supporting the hypothesis that the different forms of PG are part of a single clinical spectrum. Finally, dramatic improvement of the condition occurred after treatment with infliximab, an antitumour necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody; however, this produced circulating autoantibodies. Although this has not had any clinical consequence to date, accurate follow-up in patients treated with infliximab is essential to monitor the onset of a possible autoimmune disorder induced by the drug.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / drug therapy
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / pathology*
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Skin Ulcer / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Infliximab