Pyostomatitis vegetans (PSV)-pyodermatitis vegetans (PDV): A clinicopathologic study of 7 cases at a tertiary referral center

Pyodermatitis vegetans confined to the umbilicus: Report of 2 cases

Pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans is a rare variant of neutrophilic disorders, affecting the intertriginous areas such as axilla and groin, umbilicus, as well as the oral mucosa. We herein describe 2 female patients, in both of whom the umbilicus was restrictedly involved.

Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans: a case report and systematic review focusing on oral involvement

BACKGROUND

Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans (PPV) is a rare mucocutaneous disease characterized by multiple pustules and it is considered a marker for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The oral manifestations of this condition are referred to as pyostomatitis vegetans (PSV).

PURPOSE

To investigate which features could help in establishing the diagnosis of PSV, with or without cutaneous lesions, based on information retrieved from all cases of PSV described in the literature. A case of PV from the authors was also included in the analysis.

METHODS

An electronic search was undertaken, last updated in August 2022. Inclusion criteria included publications reporting cases of PSV, with the diagnosis confirmed by the pathological examination of oral or skin lesions, and presence of IBD.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Sixty-two publications with 77 cases of PSV and an associated IBD were included. Features that are helpful in establishing the diagnosis of PSV are snail track appearance of oral lesions, an associated IBD (which is not always symptomatic), evidence of intraepithelial clefting on microscopic examination of oral lesions, and peripheral blood eosinophilia. A gold standard for the management of PSV does not exist and high-level evidence is limited. There is no established therapeutic protocol for PSV and management primarily consists of topical and/or systemic corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs (sulfasalazine, mesalazine), monoclonal antibody (infliximab, adalimumab) immunosuppressives (azathioprine, methotrexate), antibiotics (dapsone), or a combination of these. The risk of recurrence of oral lesions is considerable when the medication dose is decreased or fully interrupted.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Diagnostic Criteria, Subtypes, Systemic Associations, and Workup

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis with variable clinical features. The classic presentation is an ulceration with an erythematous to violaceous undermined border. Extracutaneous manifestations may occur. Associated systemic diseases include inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritides, and hematologic disorders. The pathophysiologic mechanism of disease is not completely known but likely related to the cumulative impact of inflammation, immune-mediated neutrophilic dysfunction, and genetic predisposition. Incidence is between 3 and 10 people per million but may be greater due to under recognition. In this article, we will discuss the diagnostic criteria, disease subtypes, systemic associations, and workup.

Characterization and Management of Amicrobial Pustulosis of the Folds, Aseptic Abscess Syndrome, Behçet Disease, Neutrophilic Eccrine Hidradenitis, and Pyostomatitis Vegetans-Pyodermatitis Vegetans

Neutrophilic dermatoses are a broadly heterogeneous group of inflammatory skin disorders. This article reviews 5 conditions: amicrobial pustulosis of the folds, aseptic abscess syndrome, Behçet disease, neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, and pyostomatitis vegetans-pyodermatitis vegetans.The authors include up-to-date information about their epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinicopathologic features, diagnosis, and management.

Superficial and Bullous Neutrophilic Dermatoses: Sneddon-Wilkinson, IgA Pemphigus, and Bullous Lupus

Sneddon-Wilkinson disease (SWD), IgA pemphigus, and bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) are superficial and bullous neutrophilic dermatoses. They are all characterized by sterile neutrophilic infiltrate but differ in the level of skin affected and presence of autoantibodies. Both SWD and IgA pemphigus present with grouped flaccid pustules and have epidermal involvement; it is unclear whether they are distinct or exist on a spectrum of the same disease. IgA pemphigus is distinguished from SWD by positive direct immunofluorescence showing intercellular IgA deposition. BSLE presents with tense bullae, dermal neutrophilic infiltrate, and direct immunofluorescence showing linear IgG deposition along the dermal-epidermal junction.

Local neutrophil and eosinophil extracellular traps formation in pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans

Pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans is a rare inflammatory condition, affecting the skin and/or mucous membrane. Some cases include both skin and mucous involvement, whereas others develop either skin or mucous lesions only. The typically affected areas are the scalp, face, trunk and extremities, including the flexural areas and umbilicus. Clinical features show erosive granulomatous plaques, keratotic plaques with overlying crusts and pustular lesions. Among mucous lesions, oral mucosa is most frequently involved, and gingival erythema, shallow erosions, cobblestone-like papules on the buccal mucosa or upper hard palate of the oral cavity are also observed. Some of the lesions assume a 'snail track' appearance. Although there are several similarities between pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans and other diseases, that is pyoderma gangrenosum, pemphigus vegetans and pemphigoid vegetans, the histopathological features of pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans are unique in that epidermal hyperplasia, focal acantholysis and dense inflammatory infiltrates with intraepidermal and subepidermal eosinophilic microabscesses are observed. Direct immunofluorescence findings are principally negative. Activated neutrophils are supposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans. The expression of IL-36 and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was observed in the lesional skin, and additionally, eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) was detected in pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans. A possible pathogenic role of NETs and EETs in the innate immunity and autoinflammatory aspects of pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans was discussed.

Idiopathic pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans with nasal obstruction: A case report

Pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans is an uncommon mucocutaneous dermatosis of unknown etiology. It presents as erythematous pustules that coalesce to form exudative vegetating plaques on the oral mucosa and/or skin. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical assessment, although histopathology should be used as supporting evidence. Pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans is associated with inflammatory bowel disease, liver dysfunction, and others. We report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with erythematous eroded plaques involving his nares and upper lip. Investigations revealed a dense mixed inflammatory infiltrate and pronounced peripheral eosinophilia. Uniquely, the patient did not have inflammatory bowel disease or any other systemic condition. Systemic corticosteroids were helpful in clearing mucocutaneous lesions; however, this effect was only sustained at high doses. There are few reports of pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans in the medical literature. This case highlights key aspects of this extremely rare dermatosis, especially in otherwise healthy patients without inflammatory bowel disease.

Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and incurable disease, of unknown etiology, associated with an unregulated immune response to environmental triggers in a genetically predisposed host. IBD affects mainly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a large percentage of patients may present with extraintestinal manifestations, including mucocutaneous ones (which are the most common) and dermatologic findings, such as erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, and aphthous stomatitis (which are the most frequently occurring). According to pathophysiologic mechanisms, mucocutaneous manifestations of IBD are classified into five categories, namely, specific manifestations, associated manifestations, reactive manifestations, adverse effects of IBD therapy, and malabsorption manifestations. Recognizing such manifestations should not be performed only by a dermatologist but also other specialties such as internal medicine, gastroenterology, among others. This is because these manifestations can present before the IBD diagnosis, even in the absence of GI symptoms. Therefore, these skin lesions could be a fundamental tool for the earlier diagnosis of IBD. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most common cutaneous manifestations of IBD with a focus on their epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, and available medical treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease presenting with pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature

Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans (PD-PSV) is rarely reported in the pediatric population. Here, we provide a review of pediatric PD-PSV in the literature and report a case of widespread PD-PSV in a 15-year-old male without a previous history of inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinical, histological, and immunopathological workup established PD-PSV and revealed subclinical Crohn's disease. Treatment with infliximab was effective in inducing rapid resolution of the lesions.

Silent Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is frequently associated with a variety of problematic symptoms, including abdominal pain and bowel habit changes, which are associated with poor patient quality of life and significant healthcare expenditure. Interestingly, silent IBD, a condition where patients demonstrate reduced perception and/or reporting of symptoms in the setting of active inflammation, may be as clinically consequential. This condition has been associated with serious complications leading to more costly interventions. It is by its nature an under-recognized phenomenon that affects substantial portions of patients with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. At the present time, although there are a variety of theories relating to the underlying causes and contributors, little is known about why this phenomenon occurs. As a result, there is a lack of cost-effective, reliable diagnostic methods to identify and manage "at-risk" patients. However, it is significantly likely that further study and an improved understanding of this condition will lead to improved approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with silent IBD as well as other gastrointestinal disorders associated with alterations in symptomatic perception. In this article, we critically review studies that have investigated silent IBD. Specifically, we discuss the following: (1) the methods for defining silent IBD, (2) the known epidemiology of silent IBD, (3) potential causes of and contributors to this clinical entity, (4) current diagnostic modalities available to identify it, and (5) gaps in our understanding as well as potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications that could be developed with further study of this condition.

Similar but different: distinguishing between pemphigus vegetans and pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans

A 51-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of painful ulcers in the mouth and vulva, and painful vegetative plaques at intertriginous sites. Skin biopsies showed squamous hyperplasia and intraepidermal eosinophilic pustulation. Skin direct immunofluorescence (DIF) revealed intercellular deposition of IgG and C3 in the lower part of the epidermis, while serum indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) confirmed the presence of antiepithelial antibodies. The patient was diagnosed with pemphigus vegetans, and successfully treated with dapsone, prednisolone and topical steroids. Although pemphigus vegetans and pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans can show identical clinical and histological features, the presence or absence of comorbid inflammatory bowel disease, and the results of both skin DIF and serum IIF can be used to distinguish between these two conditions. This case report explores the challenges in making this distinction, and the implications of establishing the correct diagnosis.

Intraepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses: Clinical features and diagnosis

Intraepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses are a rare group of skin disorders characterized by the intraepithelial disruption of intercellular connections through the action of autoantibodies. The first article in this continuing medical education series explores the background, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnostic criteria of each of the major intraepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses, including pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus herpetiformis, fogo selvagem, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans, drug-induced pemphigus, IgA pemphigus, IgG/IgA pemphigus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome.

Spectrum of autoimmune bullous diseases among children in Kuwait

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD) are rare among children. The data describing the overall spectrum and prognosis of pediatric AIBD (pAIBD) are scarce, and there are no established treatment guidelines.

OBJECTIVES

The present study examined the spectrum, clinical characteristics, and long-term prognosis of pAIBD in a tertiary care pediatric dermatology unit.

METHODS

Retrospective records of all pAIBD cases (<18 years) registered over a span of 28 years were analyzed.

RESULTS

Records of 23 cases of pAIBD, including 16 boys and 7 girls, were reviewed. They constituted 8.5% of total AIBD patients from all age groups. Ninety-one percent of patients were of Arab ethnicity. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis was the most prevalent AIBD followed by bullous pemphigoid, bullous lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus variants (pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans and neonatal pemphigus). The mean age of onset and diagnosis was 6.4 and 7.7 years, respectively. Systemic treatments, including systemic corticosteroids and dapsone, were required in most cases. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) was also utilized as second-line therapy. The mean follow-up period was 76 months with 90% of the patients in complete remission.

CONCLUSIONS

AIBD pose a great challenge among children both in diagnosis and treatment. This study highlights the ethnic variability and underscores the need for additional similar, international studies to achieve a better understanding of the burden related to pAIBD and help establish treatment guidelines.

Allergic and Immunologic Perspectives of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition primarily involving the gastrointestinal tract. It includes Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and a less common phenotype-indeterminate colitis. It is thought to result from a complex interplay of environmental, microbial, and host factors including genetic factors, although the exact mechanism is not known. Dietary factors have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD and can potentially alter the intestinal microbiota as well as disrupt the immune function in the gut. CD is characterized by transmural inflammation, sometimes associated with granulomatous lesions, and involves the entire gastrointestinal tract but often spares the rectum. UC is characterized by mucosal inflammation typically confined to the colon and rectum. Although IBD is mostly seen in western world, recent data suggests that the incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide. Enteral nutrition has been shown to be effective in inducing remission in pediatric population with CD; however, there is mixed data in adult population. Nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D and zinc deficiency are often noted in IBD patients. Several extraintestinal manifestations are noted in patients with IBD. Some of them parallel with the disease activity and others are independent of the disease course. Assessment of IBD disease activity clinically, radiologically, if indicated, biochemically and endoscopically is important to guide therapy in IBD. To ensure comprehensive care, it is important to assess associated conditions such as nutritional and psychological well-being, as well as age appropriate health maintenance status prior to starting treatment for IBD. Several biologic agents including anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) drugs, anti-integrins, and antibodies to the p40 subunit of IL12/23 are approved for induction and maintenance of remission of IBD. Steroids are also often used for induction. Anti-metabolites and thiopurines are also useful either as monotherapy or in combination regimens. Potential side effects of anti-TNF-α drugs such as serious infections, malignancy, worsening of heart failure, and infusion-related reactions should be considered prior to starting these drugs. Anti-TNF-α drugs with or without immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate) are often used for the induction and maintenance of remission. Treating to target of endoscopic and clinical remission provides the best long-term outcomes. Our knowledge and understanding of IBD has grown significantly. However, there are several unanswered questions on pathogenesis, disease behavior, and drivers of inflammation in various patient subgroups which require further research.

Inflammatory Dermatopathology for General Surgical Pathologists

Owing to the wide variety and complexity of inflammatory skin diseases, inflammatory dermatopathology can be a challenging topic for dermatopathologists and general surgical pathologists alike. Following a basic tissue reaction pattern approach, this article reviews the most common and important entities of each pattern, with emphasis on differential diagnosis, diagnostic pitfalls, and appropriate workup when indicated. A few dermatologic emergencies are also discussed.

Disfiguring facial pyoderma vegetans with an excellent outcome

We describe a case of disfiguring facial pyoderma vegetans in order to highlight the challenges in managing this rare skin condition and review the literature.A 54-year-old woman presented to dermatology clinic with a 3-month history of a left-sided facial lesion, which had been treated as an infected sebaceous cyst. The lesion had dramatically increased in size in the weeks prior to presentation. There was a history of Crohn's disease and ileal adenocarcinoma, both of which were in remission. A clinical diagnosis of pyoderma vegetans was made and the patient responded well to immunosuppressive therapy with oral ciclosporin. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser resurfacing to residual scarring contributed to an excellent cosmetic result.

Pediatric pyoderma gangrenosum: a systematic review and update

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a sterile neutrophilic disorder that rarely affects children. Clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic data on pediatric PG is poor as there are many newly reported associated diseases and drugs. This paper aims to review all recent available data on pediatric PG. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. A total of 132 articles were included in the review. The most commonly reported underlying diseases in pediatric PG are inflammatory bowel diseases followed by hematologic disorders, vasculitis, immune deficiencies and Pyogenic Arthritis, Pyoderma gangrenosum and Acne (PAPA) syndrome. More than half of the cases occur with no underlying disease. The most frequently reported clinical presentation is multiple disseminated ulcers. Treatment should be tailored according to the underlying etiology. It includes systemic steroids, corticosteroid sparing agents such as dapsone and cyclosporine, and TNF-alpha inhibitors such as adalimumab and infliximab. Response to treatment is high with cure rates reaching 90%. A high index of suspicion and a thorough workup are mandatory in the management of pediatric PG.