Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Series

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, ulcerative, non-infectious neutrophilic dermatosis, commonly associated with underlying systemic disease. The features of pyoderma gangrenosum are not specific histopathologically and for this reason the diagnosis is based on clinical feature. The systemic administration of corticosteroids is the mainstay of treatment. We present five cases of pyoderma gangrenosum of age group ranging from 2 to 75 years. One of these patients was HIV-infected, and one was having discoid lupus erythematosus. The lesions were present on thighs in 3 cases, over back in one and breast in one. Biopsy showed central necrosis with multiple neutrophilic abscesses in epidermis. The dermis showed dense neutrophilic infiltration in both superficial and deep dermis. The lesions responded well to oral corticosteroids except in the case of HIV-infected patient in which minocycline showed considerable improvement.