Case report: a rare presentation of nasal septal perforation due to pyoderma gangrenosum

Abstract

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare dermatologic non-infectious neutrophilic disease that classically affects the lower extremities and is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Rarely, it could affect the nasal septum, causing nasal septal perforation. Methods: We reviewed the case of a 52-year-old male patient known to have PG with ongoing nasal septal perforation and reviewed his blood tests, computed tomography scan findings and histologic results. Results: A diagnosis of nasal septal perforation due to PG was confirmed after exclusion of other common aetiologies. This was further supported by the presence of extensive ulceration of the nasal squamous mucosa with inflamed granulation tissue and abscess-like areas. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of PG based on the histology report. Conclusion: Although nasal septal perforation secondary to PG is considered rare, this presentation should still be kept in mind, especially when other possible causes of nasal septal perforation have been excluded and PG has been already well established.