Pyoderma gangrenosum after reduction mammoplasty: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory disease of the skin that may develop spontaneously. It is associated with certain systemic and neoplastic diseases, including those of the breasts. PG is also associated with surgical trauma. It has been increasingly reported, along with the increase in the incidence of reduction mammoplasty procedures. The clinical manifestation of ulcers is characteristic of PG and it should be considered in cases of poor healing with intense inflammatory reaction, tissue loss, bloody and/ or purulent secretion, granular background, and lesions with high edges. We describe a patient who developed PG after reduction mammoplasty. She has since responded to systemic corticosteroids and has had no relapse to date.

Keywords

• pyoderma gangrenosum
• mammoplasty
• postoperative complications
• autoimmune diseases
• differential diagnosis