The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case After Plastic Surgery

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a multifactorial neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown etiology. It can occur in isolation; in association with different inflammatory, autoimmune, or malignant diseases; or as part of various syndromes. Because of its low incidence and the difficulty in distinguishing it from other possible lesions, PG is usually misdiagnosed. As a result, patients may be subjected to unnecessary treatments and surgical interventions that exacerbate the development of PG, as pathergy phenomenon is observed with this skin disorder. Surgical trauma can also lead to the formation of PG with the same mechanism. The occurrence of PG lesions has been reported after plastic surgery as well. In most cases, however, the diagnosis is delayed, resulting in disfigurement, additional surgeries, and extended hospital stay.

In this article, a case of early detected bilateral PG after reduction mammoplasty in a patient with no personal or family history of autoimmune disorders is presented. Careful examination of the wound and analysis of the clinical picture resulted in the diagnosis of PG.

The authors believe that the description of the diagnostic clues considered in this case will aid the plastic surgeon in prompt recognition and management of postoperative PG, with the aim of decreasing patient morbidity and the duration of hospital stay while preventing additional complications.