Pyoderma gangrenosum of the vaginal vault after vaginal hysterectomy: only the correct diagnosis of a rare entity can prevent long-term morbidity.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin disease characterized by a wide variety in its clinical presentation and outcome. The etiology is unknown and the pathogenesis is poorly understood, but autoimmune mechanisms have been suggested. Gynecological reports about PG are particularly scarce. As gynecologists rarely encounter this disorder, the correct diagnosis can easily be missed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This paper presents the first case to our knowledge of an idiopathic PG of the vaginal vault as a late complication after vaginal hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate how PG, a rare disorder, might be misdiagnosed and how only the correct diagnosis and treatment involving systemic glucocorticoids and wound care can spare the patients from long-term morbidity.