The use of B vitamins for cutaneous ulcerations mimicking pyoderma gangrenosum in patients with MTHFR polymorphism

Abstract

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms are associated with thrombophilia and vasculopathy that may result in cutaneous ulceration. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a clinical diagnosis that may be made following exclusion of alternate causes of ulceration, including vascular inflammatory or occlusive disease, infection, and malignant neoplasm.

Observations: We describe 2 patients with MTHFR polymorphisms discovered during hypercoagulable evaluation for cutaneous ulcerations on the lower extremities. Both patients showed a rapid improvement following treatment with oral vitamin supplementation and local wound care. One patient developed several subsequent ulcers when he decided to discontinue his therapy, and following reinitiation of therapy, the new ulcerations healed. The treatment was tolerated well without any adverse effects.

Conclusions: MTHFR polymorphisms should be part of a comprehensive laboratory evaluation during hypercoagulable workup. Vitamin supplementation with folic acid (B(9)), pyridoxine hydrochloride (B(6)), and cyanocobalamin (B(12)) may result in healing of cutaneous ulcerations in some patients with MTHFR mutations.