Tracheobronchial pulmonary disease associated with pyoderma gangrenosum

Abstract

We report a tracheobronchial pulmonary manifestation caused by pyoderma gangrenosum, a neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown etiology. A 54-year-old man presented with pulmonary infiltrates followed by multiple painful cutaneous pustules on the scrotum. Skin biopsy showed pronounced neutrophilic infiltration without microorganism or granuloma, consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum. Bronchoscopy revealed multiple scattered polypoid nodules with a yellowish irregular surface from the trachea to bilateral bronchi; the appearance closely mimicked that of a skin lesion. Endobronchial biopsy demonstrated inflamed granulation and necrosis with infiltration by numerous neutrophils without vasculitis or granulomas, interpreted as pyoderma gangrenosum of the bronchi. Although the etiology of pyoderma gangrenosum is poorly understood, this case suggests that a common pathogenesis may account for the simultaneous cutaneous and airway inflammation. © 2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.