Related Experiment Videos

[Pyoderma gangrenosum with aseptic spleen abscess]

N Brahimi1, E Maubec, O Boccara

  • 1Service de dermatologie, hôpital Bichat, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, université Paris-VII Denis-Diderot, 46, rue Henri-Huchard, 75877 Paris cedex 18, France.

Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|January 28, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pyoderma gangrenosum rarely affects internal organs. This case highlights splenic involvement, mimicking infection, emphasizing the need for screening for associated hematologic malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis.
  • Systemic involvement in PG is uncommon.
  • PG can be associated with underlying systemic diseases.

Observation:

  • A 68-year-old male with pustular PG and multiple myeloma presented with abdominal pain.
  • Imaging revealed a splenic abscess.
  • Histopathology showed leukocytic infiltration, with negative cultures.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with splenic involvement of pyoderma gangrenosum.
  • Treatment with systemic corticosteroids was successful.
  • Hematological status remained stable.

Implications:

  • Splenic involvement in PG is rare and can be misdiagnosed as infection.
  • Routine screening for systemic diseases, especially hematologic malignancies, is crucial in PG cases.
  • This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach for pyoderma gangrenosum.

Related Concept Videos

Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:23

Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management

The clinical manifestations of gastritis can vary depending on the cause and type of gastritis, but some common symptoms may include the following.
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...