[Pathergic postsurgical-induced Pyoderma gangrenosum]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare pustular and ulcerative inflammatory disease belonging to the group of neutrophilic dermatoses. It is frequently associated with systemic immune diseases. In this context the PG can be exceptionally triggered by tissue trauma such as surgery (pathergy). We report the case of a patient with stabilized rheumatoid arthritis who developed aggressive and disseminated PG at all surgical wounds following an abdominal dermolipectomy associated with breast pexy. Systemic corticosteroid methylprednisolone allowed a rapid control of skin ulcerations. In the aftermath of an intervention, PG is often confused with a bacterial skin-necrotizing panniculitis. The recognition of the inflammatory nature of cutaneous symptoms is crucial to quickly start an immunosuppressive treatment and limit scarring sequelae. Our case also illustrates the need to consider any history of dysimmune inflammatory or oncohematological disease as a risk factor before surgery, even if the latter are stabilized.