Ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare chronic inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology and pathogenesis, although immunological factors and neutrophil dysfunction are believed to play an important role. In most cases it is associated with non-infectious systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hematologic malignancies and inflammatory bowel disease. It is more common in women with a peak incidence between the third and fifth decades of life and it may present in four distinct clinical forms, all leading to ulceration of the skin, with involvement predominantly of the lower limbs. The diagnosis is based on the clinical manifestations and exclusion of other entities. Frequently systemic and local therapy is required.

The clinical case of a 38 year old woman with ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum associated with rheumatoid arthritis who had an excellent response to treatment with systemic steroids is described.