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Pyoderma-gangraenosum-like ulcers associated with lupus anticoagulant
1Department of Internal Medicine, Valle de Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
A lupus anticoagulant may cause pyoderma gangraenosum-like skin ulcers. This condition involves thrombosis in blood vessels, leading to skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pyoderma gangraenosum is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by painful ulcers.
- Autoimmune conditions can sometimes manifest with cutaneous lesions.
- Lupus anticoagulant is an antibody associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman developed ulcerative and necrotic skin lesions on her breast and leg.
- The patient had circulating lupus anticoagulant, but no other serum abnormalities.
- Histopathology revealed microthrombosis in dermal capillaries and inflammation.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation mimicked pyoderma gangraenosum.
- Microthrombosis in dermal vessels was a key histological finding.
- Lupus anticoagulant activity is implicated in the ulcer pathogenesis.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between lupus anticoagulant and pyoderma gangraenosum-like ulcers.
- Understanding this association may improve diagnosis and management of similar cutaneous manifestations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in non-thrombotic skin diseases.