Daniel De Menezes1, Erlangga Yusuf, Olivier Borens. 1. Orthopedic Septic Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital , Lausanne, Switzerland .
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative, non-infectious skin disorder. However, it can be mistaken as necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infective condition. We describe here a case of pyoderma gangrenosum after minor trauma treated as necrotizing fasciitis. METHODS: Case report and literature review. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old pregnant nurse had a pretibial wound after a fall on a rough surface. When erythema developed and no response to empirical antibiotic therapy was observed, multiple debridements were performed. Paradoxically, her condition became worse. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was suspected. Treatment with corticosteroids was started and this was successful. CONCLUSION: Pyoderma gangrenosum can mimic infectious necrotizing fasciitis. Differentiating these two conditions is important because mistreatment of pyoderma can lead to disfigurement.
BACKGROUND:Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative, non-infectious skin disorder. However, it can be mistaken as necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infective condition. We describe here a case of pyoderma gangrenosum after minor trauma treated as necrotizing fasciitis. METHODS: Case report and literature review. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old pregnant nurse had a pretibial wound after a fall on a rough surface. When erythema developed and no response to empirical antibiotic therapy was observed, multiple debridements were performed. Paradoxically, her condition became worse. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was suspected. Treatment with corticosteroids was started and this was successful. CONCLUSION:Pyoderma gangrenosum can mimic infectious necrotizing fasciitis. Differentiating these two conditions is important because mistreatment of pyoderma can lead to disfigurement.
Authors: Erik Friedrich Alex de Souza; Guilherme Almeida Rosa da Silva; Gustavo Randow Dos Santos; Heloisa Loureiro de Sá Neves Motta; Pedro Afonso Nogueira Moisés Cardoso; Marcelo Costa Velho Mendes de Azevedo; Karina Lebeis Pires; Rogerio Neves Motta; Walter de Araujo Eyer Silva; Fernando Raphael de Almeida Ferry; Jorge Francisco da Cunha Pinto Journal: Case Rep Med Date: 2015-12-10