Post-surgical pyoderma gangrenosum following electrosurgery and elliptical excision: A rare disease following common procedures

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis with an estimated annual incidence of 3–10 cases per million per year. Post-surgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) refers to the development of pyoderma gangrenosum at surgical sites in the postoperative period. A 55-year-old female was admitted with two acute and enlarging painful breast ulcerations resistant to antibiotic treatment following surgical resection and electrofulguration by her dermatologist. Multiple wound cultures were negative. A skin biopsy was consistent with PG and the wounds improved after adequate oral immunosuppressive therapy. A high index of suspicion, exclusion of other differential diagnoses, and previous experience with this disease ensured an early diagnosis, prevented injury to life and unnecessary debridement, and resulted in an excellent outcome for the patient.