Folgoration as an Example of Pathergy in a Patient Affected by Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Takayasu's Arteritis

• Published in: Dermatology Research and Practice Vol. 2009; no. 2009; pp. 24 - 26
• Main Authors: Richetta, A. G., D'Epiro, S., Mattozzi, C., Giancristoforo, S., Calvieri, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 01.01.2009; Hindawi Puplishing Corporation; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Case Report; Case studies; Complications and side effects; Development and progression; Diagnosis; Disease; Patients; Pyoderma; Rheumatoid arthritis; Skin diseases; Surgery; Takayasu's arteritis; Trauma; Wound healing; Japan
• ISSN: 1687-6105; 1687-6113
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/393452

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown aetiology. Clinical manifestations of PG are characterized by destructive, necrotizing, and noninfective ulceration of the skin. 20–30% of cases are initiated and aggravated by minor trauma or surgery, a phenomenon named pathergy. PG is related to several autoimmune diseases including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and monoclonal gammopathy. The association with Takayasu's arteritis (TA), a chronic inflammatory and stenotic disease of large and medium-sized arteries, is instead less common. We report a case of PG associated with TA that was induced by an accident with folgoration of the skin; in this case the folgoration can be considered as an exemple of Pathergy, that is, a characteristic feature of PG.