Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans of the eyelids case report and review of the literature

To present the first reported case of eyelid involvement in pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans (PDPSV) leading to the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, and to review the literature.

Interventional case report.

A 29-year-old man presented with a 4-week history of severe bilateral upper and lower eyelid margin ulceration and pustules unresponsive to topical and systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. Further questioning revealed the existence of skin and oral lesions.

Clinical course, histological findings, and response to treatment.

The histological and immunofluorescence studies were suggestive of PDPSV. Colonoscopy showed significant chronic active ulcerative colitis. Treatment with systemic steroids and sulfasalazine resulted in complete resolution of eyelid, oral, and skin lesions. However, stopping the steroids resulted in recurrence of eyelid and oral lesions and required recommencement of treatment.

It is important to be familiar with this pustular skin condition, as correct diagnosis may lead to the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Although periocular involvement is probably rare, the combined typical skin and oral lesions and the characteristic histological and immunofluorescence tests should suggest the correct diagnosis.