Successful hyperbaric oxygen treatment of gangrenous lesions due to systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Necrotizing vasculopathy is a relatively uncommon and life-threatening condition in children. Raynaud phenomenon and digital ischemia are the most common symptoms. Although immunosuppressive treatments in combination with vasodilators are the first chosen therapies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also used as primary or adjuvant therapy. Herein, we present an adolescent female patient who has had gangrenous lesions at bilateral feet phalanges diagnosed with necrotizing vasculitis due to systemic lupus erythematosus. Effective treatment by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in combination with immunosuppressive and vasodilator drugs led to significant improvement without amputation. Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered in cases with progressive gangrenous lesions due to vasculopathies.