Pyoderma Gangrenosum as the Initial Presentation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis, commonly associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is also an aggressive manifestation of extra-intestinal inflammatory bowel disease affecting less than 5% of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. We present a case of pyoderma gangrenosum as an initial and rapidly progressive manifestation of Crohn disease. Methods A 35-year-old man presented with fecal urgency, periumbilical pain, and frequent diarrhea, with stool cultures revealing no infectious etiology. Colonoscopy demonstrated active inflammatory bowel disease consistent with Crohn disease. Concurrently, patient developed an ulcer on right lower extremity not otherwise contributed to history of trauma or injury. Biopsy of right lower extremity ulcer revealed histopathologic findings consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum. Despite medical management, and prolonged use of wound care and wound vac, patient’s non-healing ulcer continued to geographically expand, resulting in ankle contracture. A right below the knee amputation was performed and amputation specimen was sent to pathology for further diagnostic evaluation. Results Gross examination revealed an extensive cutaneous ulcer measuring 22.1cm x 11.7cm x 0.3cm and involving the anterior medial aspect of the right lower extremity with medial and posterior extension down to the dorsum of the foot with broad deep tissue destruction and exposure of fascia and tendon. Microscopic examination revealed severe ulceration, suppurative necrosis, superficial and deep vasculitis confined to the ulcer bed. Surrounding soft tissue revealed chronic myopathic changes secondary to ischemia. Foci of commensal filamentous gram-positive bacterial colonization in a nidus of necrosis were also identified. The inflammatory pattern involved predominantly neutrophils with weak recruitment of other inflammatory cells, consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum. Conclusion This case highlights the debilitating extent of Crohn disease, its detrimental effects on the patient’s quality of life, and the diagnostic and treatment challenges it poses to clinicians in managing Crohn disease and its complications.