A misleading cutaneous lesion for the surgeon: pyoderma gangrenosum

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin disorder characterized by cutaneous papulo-pustules that evolve rapidly into large, painful, necrotic ulcers. These lesions are often initially diagnosed as wound infection and necrotizing fasciitis. Debridement, although the standard of care for wound infections, is paradoxically detrimental in pyoderma gangrenosum because of pathergy. Early diagnosis and treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum is very important because unnecessary debridement and associated morbidity can be prevented. Herein, we report a case with pyoderma gangrenosum mimicking necrotizing fasciitis.