Pyoderma gangrenosum after minor trauma in a pregnant woman, mistaken for necrotizing fasciitis: report of a case and literature review.
BACKGROUND
Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative, non-infectious skin disorder. However, it can be mistaken as necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infective condition. We describe here a case of pyoderma gangrenosum after minor trauma treated as necrotizing fasciitis.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


METHODS
A 27-year-old pregnant nurse had a pretibial wound after a fall on a rough surface. When erythema developed and no response to empirical antibiotic therapy was observed, multiple debridements were performed. Paradoxically, her condition became worse. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was suspected. Treatment with corticosteroids was started and this was successful.


CONCLUSIONS
Pyoderma gangrenosum can mimic infectious necrotizing fasciitis. Differentiating these two conditions is important because mistreatment of pyoderma can lead to disfigurement.
Orthopedic Septic Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital , Lausanne, Switzerland .
Daniel
D
De Menezes
Erlangga
E
Yusuf
Olivier
O
Borens
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D017511:Pyoderma Gangrenosum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents