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.