Pyoderma Gangrenosum Masquerading as Necrotizing Fasciitis: Stepping Away from Cognitive Shortcuts

A patient with post-Cesarean wound complication was treated for necrotizing fasciitis (NF) with sharp debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Several operations and three weeks later, her abdominal skin, subcutaneous fat, right-sided rectus abdominus, and underlying fascia had been removed without any improvement in granulation tissue. Original pathology samples demonstrated sheets of necrosis consistent with NF, but were re-reviewed by a dermatopathologist who diagnosed the patient with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). She was started on high-dose steroids and dapsone, and her wound quickly showed signs of improvement. Anchor bias delayed the initiation of steroids and diagnosis of PG as the surgical, medical, and consulting teams were hesitant to stray from the diagnosis of NF.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is often confused with other dermatological disorders in the hospital setting.It is vital to recognize the tendency towards anchoring bias, and how this can greatly affect our patient care.