Pyoderma Gangrenosum of the Hand: Unique Experience and Literature Review

Abstract

Background Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a reactive, noninfectious, neutrophilic dermatosis. Diagnosis of PG is based on exclusion, due to lack of availability of a confirmatory test. PG is not caused by infection or gangrene. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of PG can lead to devastating results. Case Presentation In this report, we present a patient with a delayed diagnosis of PG lesion on right hand. Despite initial surgical treatment, the wound was aggravated, and amputation was considered; however, it was eventually treated successfully with an autologous split thickness skin graft. Conclusions Knowledge of the PG is essential to actively consider PG in early stage to help facilitate immediate treatment and avoid unnecessary interventions that may worsen the outcome.

Keywords

• Hand
• Infection
• Pyoderma gangrenosum
• Skin graft