Review of 26 cases of classical pyoderma gangrenosum: clinical and therapeutic features

Abstract

Background: Classical pyoderma gangrenosum (CPG) is an uncommon, idiopathic, neutrophilic skin disease, generally associated with other skin conditions and systemic diseases, and with several treatment options.

Objective: The objective of this review was to know the clinical and therapeutic features of our cases of CPG.

Methods: Twenty-six cases of CPG were included; 65 episodes of PG and 120 treatment courses were analysed; and the mean follow-up was 4.6 years.

Results: 21 cases (80%) had lesions on the lower extremities, 16 (61%) had recurrences, 22 (84%) had some disease associated, and 13 (50%) had autoimmune inflammatory conditions. Cyclosporin A (CSA) was used in 22 (84%) patients and 51 (78%) episodes, and prednisone (PDN) was used in 15 (57%) patients and 26 (40%) episodes.

Conclusions: CSA efficacy was excellent, with an early response and acceptable toxicity, although it did not seem to have any impact on the incidence of PG recurrences.