Pyoderma gangrenosum after quadrantectomy with intraoperative radiotherapy: a case report

ABSTRACT

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an immune-mediated inflammatory and rare skin disease with an extremely challenging diagnosis. The clinical evolution of the disease is the basis for the diagnosis that involves pustular superficial lesions, painful erythematous halo, rapid progression to painful and sterile ulcerations, unresponsiveness to antibiotics or new surgical interventions, and finally, ready improvement with the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Delayed diagnosis may cause numerous hospitalizations and prolonged therapy, whereas early recognition can prevent the progression of the ulcerations and their morbidities. We report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum that evolved after surgery and was associated with intraoperative radiotherapy for the conservative treatment of breast cancer. In addition, we reviewed reported cases in the literature and therapeutic options. It is conjectured that intraoperative radiotherapy might be related to some immune-mediated stimuli that could trigger the clinical condition.

Keywords:
Pyoderma gangrenosum; Breast cancer; Intraoperative radiotherapy