[Pyoderma gangrenosum revealing Takayasu's arteritis]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Dermatology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis often linked to systemic inflammatory conditions or blood disorders.
• This report details a rare instance where PG served as an initial indicator for Takayasu's arteritis (TA).

Observation:

• A 26-year-old woman experienced recurrent PG during pregnancy, responding to corticosteroids.
• Post-childbirth, she developed extensive forearm ulcers, diagnosed histologically as PG.
• Clinical findings included diminished peripheral pulse, asymmetric blood pressure, and vascular murmurs, leading to TA diagnosis alongside chronic hepatitis B.

Findings:

• The patient's PG recurred with each pregnancy, a unique presentation.
• Epidemiological and clinical features aligned with literature: predominantly young female patients, limb involvement.
• Treatment with prednisone (1 mg/kg/d) resolved the ulcers within one month.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing the association between PG and TA, particularly in regions where it is considered rare.
• Early diagnosis and management of TA are crucial, with corticosteroids as first-line therapy for PG.
• The recurrent nature of PG with pregnancy in this case warrants further investigation into potential hormonal or immunological triggers.