Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin condition, characterized by progressive and recurrent skin ulceration, often representing a pathergy response.

OBSERVATIONS:

We report a case of spontaneous retrosternal PG that developed on the background of previous PG of the skin of the back. The patient had underlying ulcerative colitis. After failure of prednisone, minocycline, and dapsone, a novel method was instituted. Local flushing with dexamethasone, by a radiologically inserted retrosternal catheter with precordial suction, induced a rapid and sustained response. Subsequently maxillary sinus PG developed after the patient's tooth extraction. This responded to local corticosteroid injections in combination with systemic corticosteroid.

LIMITATIONS:

Further reports of this technique are required to consolidate its use and infusion variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

Two unusual sites of PG have been described, with successful treatment by a novel local steroid infusion. The profound sensitivity to trauma is demonstrated, which suggests that prophylactic corticosteroid may be useful for essential surgical intervention.