A New-Onset Facial Lesion in a Hospitalized COVID-19 Patient.

Pressure ulcers form when skin is compressed against a bony prominence, often in the context of prolonged supine or prone-based care. Hospitalized, bedridden patients are at the highest risk of this complication, especially when preventative measures like regular rotational bed treatment are not employed. In this case report, we present a rare case of a COVID-19-related facial pressure ulcer that occurred in the context of regular rotational bed treatment. The lesion was managed by wound care and allowed to heal by secondary intention. Ultimately, we hope that this manuscript will raise awareness for this atypical ulcer location, especially as prone-position treatment approaches take hold.

Inpatient teledermatology service: baseline review - it works!

Setting up an inpatient teledermatology service over 1 year at our National Health Service-based district general hospital made absolute sense on two grounds: The COVID pandemic and the ever-increasing role of teledermatology enabling dermatology departments, often with limited resources, to 'work smart'. Over a 43-week period, 124 referrals were dealt with on our teledermatology platform (around 12 referrals per month). Average response time to referral was 0.65 days: 56% same-day response, 32% next-day response;and 92% a response within 3 days. Following this, 32% of patients were seen face to face on the wards and 40% were dealt with via remote advice and guidance. Around 10% of referrals were deemed not to be appropriate for dermatology review/advice. Around 12% of referrals were given dermatology face-to-face outpatient appointments rather than review on the wards, and 7% were declined an appointment (pending further information being received) as insufficient information was given for triage/advice and guidance. Initially, just 10% of referrals were sent (first time) with clinical images, but this increased to 54% after 4 months, and although there has been some monthly variation, up to 64% has been achieved (noting that clinical images are not always required for the question being asked). Around 50 different diagnoses were made, illustrating the diversity and complexity of dermatological practice, and the scale of the diagnostic problems facing ward-based teams. Previously published data revealed that around one-third of inpatient dermatology referrals were for 'red legs', which was replicated in the current results, with diagnoses of venous or atopic eczema (14%), drug reactions (12%), skin neoplasia (6%), cellulitis/erysipelas (5%), intertrigo (4%), erythroderma (4%), Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (2.5%), bullous pemphigoid (2.5%), pyoderma gangrenosum (2.5%) and vasculitis (2%). Having an inpatient teledermatology service benefits dermatology departments, enabling efficient working, appropriate triage, training opportunities and ease of second opinions from colleagues. Benefits for referrers are acute ward-based teams including rapid responses to referrals, enabling skin concerns to be dealt with quickly and avoiding delays in investigation, treatment and discharge. Some hospitals where dermatology does not have a permanent base may be able to access dermatology advice and guidance via teledermatology. Overall, patients benefit from teledermatology and it is COVID secure.

Ulcerative Colitis: Rapid Evidence Review

Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine. Risk factors include recent Salmonella or Campylobacter infection and a family history of ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms of urgency, tenesmus, and hematochezia and is confirmed with endoscopic findings of continuous inflammation from the rectum to more proximal colon, depending on the extent of disease. Fecal calprotectin may be used to assess disease activity and relapse. Medications available to treat the inflammation include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, anti-integrin antibodies, anti-interleukin-12 and -23 antibodies, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Choice of medication and method of delivery depend on the location and severity of mucosal inflammation. Other treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation are considered experimental, and complementary therapies such as probiotics and curcumin have mixed data. Surgical treatment may be needed for fulminant or refractory disease. Increased risk of colorectal cancer and use of immunosuppressive therapies affect the preventive care needs for these patients. (Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(4):406-411. Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Family Physicians.)Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Family Physicians. All rights reserved.

A neglected pyoderma gangrenosum following COVID-19: A case report

COVID-19 infection is related to many skin problems. The pathogenesis is under search, but mainly involves inflammatory and vasculopathic injuries. Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative sterile inflammatory reaction of the skin. The etiology is unknown in around 50% of the cases. This article reported a 47-years old soldier man with COVID-19 who developed big, very painful, indurated ulcers on his abdomen and another small one at back, treated as pyoderma gangrenosum and established very good improvement on prednisolone and azathioprine. In conclusion, patients of COVID-19 may be at increased risk for emerging pyoderma gangrenosum with significant overlap in disease pathogenesis. Medical doctors should suspect pyoderma gangrenosum in an individual with coronavirus infection who has non-healing ulcers. Copyright © 2023 Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. All rights reserved.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum of the Hand: Unique Experience and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a reactive, noninfectious, neutrophilic dermatosis. Diagnosis of PG is based on exclusion, due to lack of availability of a confirmatory test. PG is not caused by infection or gangrene. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of PG can lead to devastating results. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we present a patient with a delayed diagnosis of PG lesion on right hand. Despite initial surgical treatment, the wound was aggravated, and amputation was considered; however, it was eventually treated successfully with an autologous split thickness skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the PG is essential to actively consider PG in early stage to help facilitate immediate treatment and avoid unnecessary interventions that may worsen the outcome.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Triggered by COVID-19 Vaccination in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin disease that is difficult to diagnose. PG may be an extra-intestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis (UC). In recent times, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines have caused various adverse cutaneous reactions. However, to the best our knowledge, combinations thereof have not been reported. We encountered a case of PG triggered by COVID-19 vaccination in a patient with UC. A 40-year-old woman developed severe pain and an abscess in the dorsum of the left foot after receiving the first dose of the messenger RNA (mRNA)-based Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine. Severe painful ulcers with purulent necrosis and gaseous gangrene progressed rapidly along the extensor tendons and muscles to the toes and ankle. Although surgical debridement can worsen PG by triggering pathergy, we nonetheless performed wide debridement including partial extensor tenotomy with abscess drainage to prevent progression to pyogenic ankle arthritis and to rescue the toes. Antibiotics, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants were prescribed during surgical wound management via negative pressure therapy. After the lesion improved, the skin and soft tissue defect were covered using a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator free flap and a split-thickness skin graft. The patient was satisfied with the foot salvage, and could walk unaided (without a brace or cane) from 8 weeks after the final surgery. PG may be rare even in UC patients, but mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines may find an immunosuppressive niche. A high level of caution and suspicion of skin manifestations after vaccination is essential.

An aggressive course of pyoderma gangrenosum mimicking bacterial osteomyelitis after open reduction and internal fixation of a distal radius fracture with a titanium plate.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare condition characterized by the development of aseptic, non-healing skin ulcers. Any skin trauma, such as a surgical incision, can trigger an outbreak of lesions. Our case and literature review show that a physician should consider PG in every event of a non-healing, aseptic wound after surgery. The treatment of PG requires collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and immunosuppressive therapy is the first line of treatment, while surgical interventions should be avoided in the active stage of PG.

COVID-19 Vaccine: A Possible Trigger for Pyoderma Gangrenosum.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon ulcerative auto-inflammatory dermatosis. Numerous studies suggest cutaneous side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pyoderma gangrenosum has been reported as one of the rare side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. In this report, a 36-year-old male was admitted to a hospital due to a progression of pyoderma gangrenosum on the lateral aspect of his upper arm which had developed eight months ago, following the first dose of Sinopharm BBIBP COVID-19 vaccine. The reported symptoms included headache, blurred vision, palpitation, fatigue on exertion, documented fever, chills and productive cough with yellow sputum, possibly due to the inflammatory effect of pyoderma gangrenosum. In the past, the patient's face had several abnormal skin lesions similar to the newly developed lesion. In addition, the newly developed lesion did not regress despite using medication. COVID-19 vaccinations could potentially trigger pyoderma gangrenosum, especially in patients with a past medical history of similar lesions in different body parts. Therefore, we recommend inquiring about the past medical history of pyoderma gangrenosum or abnormal skin lesions prior to vaccination.

Cutaneous thrombosis associated with skin necrosis following Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination: a case report

A 73-year-old man presented with left shin ulceration two weeks after receiving his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Within 24 h of vaccination, the patient became generally unwell with fever and headache. On the third day after vaccination, he developed left shin erythema and blistering, which rapidly ulcerated. This formed two superficial ulcers with a necrotic base and a violaceous edge on the lateral aspect of his left shin, measuring approximately 2 cm × 3 cm. He had a background of atrial fibrillation and ischemic cardiomyopathy, and had been on several longstanding medications including apixaban. Blood tests revealed normal clotting, full blood count, liver and renal function. The differential diagnosis included pyoderma gangrenosum, vasculitic ulceration, and a cutaneous adverse drug reaction to vaccination. A punch biopsy was obtained from the edge of an ulcer, which revealed microthrombi within blood vessels, an ischemic epidermis, and fat necrosis of subcutaneous tissue. The patient experienced slow healing of ulceration with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05%, neomycin sulphate and nystatin ointment, and compression bandaging treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cutaneous thrombosis associated with skin necrosis following Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination. Recently there have been concerns related to reports of thrombotic events at atypical sites (including cerebral and splanchnic vascular beds) associated with thrombocytopenia following Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccination (Greinacher A, Thiele T, Warkentin TE et al. Thrombotic thrombocytopenia after ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. N Engl J Med 2021;384: 2092-101). These findings extend the range of atypically located thromboses associated with COVID-19 vaccination and reinforce the necessity for physicians to be vigilant for signs and symptoms related to thromboses at atypical sites in recently vaccinated patients.

COVID vaccination associated immunological cutaneous reactions

While our knowledge about the short-term side-effects of COVID-19 vaccination in adults has rapidly evolved, data about the long-term systemic side-effects and potential new onset autoimmune disorders has been limited. Here we present a case series of patients with new onset autoimmune skin conditions between 10 days and 4 weeks post mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and discuss the underlying pathophysiological changes contributing to these side-effects. Exclusions included any patients who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 or had COVID-19 symptoms. Our cases include new onset discoid lupus, localized cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, linear IgA bullous disease, pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, lichen planus pemphigoides, erosive lichen planus, psoriasis and vitiligo. In addition, we are reporting significant flare-up of pre-existing autoimmune skin conditions after a long period of remission. These include three cases of psoriasis, two cases of systemic lupus, one pemphigus vulgaris koebnerizing within a previous shingles site, and a case of pyoderma gangrenosum flare. The BNT162b2 vaccine is a potent activator of the T- and B-cell pathways. The production of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL- 21 seems to play an important role in vaccine-induced immunological protection, which is also linked to germinal centre activation linked to autoimmune disorders. This report improves our knowledge regarding some rarer potential sideeffects associated with these new vaccines and highlights the importance of further studies.

Single centre, real-world retrospective analysis of the use of azacitadine and venetoclax as firstline treatment in patients with AML in the COVID era

To manage the complexities of treating acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) during the COVID pandemic, NICE have recommended the use of venetoclax and azacitadine as first-line treatment in patients with in patients would otherwise be eligible for standard intensive induction chemotherapy, with the hope that this will reduce inpatient stay, and reduce the risk of neutropenia . This combination has been shown to have favourable outcomes in high-risk patients which is defined as;the elderly, those with unfavourable cytogenetics and secondary AML. Here were discuss the 11 patients diagnosed with AML in the two-year period between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021 at Northwick Park Hospital, London, that were eligible to initiate azacitadine and venetoclax as first-line therapy, and evaluate how these new treatment recommendations have affected patient outcomes. One patient was removed due to insufficient written records, leaving a total of 10 patients;seven male, and three female with an average age of 78.2 years, at the time of diagnosis. All but one had secondary AML. Fifty per cent of cases were secondary to MDS, two secondary to CML, one to polycythaemia and one with CML/MDS overlap. Four (36%) received only one cycle of treatment. Ninety per cent of patients had treatment complications, with seven (70%) having cytopenia, three (30%) having cardiovascular complications and nine (90%) having infection related complications. Other serious complications included, transient ischaemic attack and pyoderma gangrenosum. Each patient had an average of 2.3 admissions with one patient having six hospital admissions since initiating treatment. The average length of hospital admission is 11.65 days per visit. Prolonged and frequent hospital admissions during critical times of the pandemic, counteract the intention of wanting to use these oral treatment agents to minimise their exposure to infections. Six (60%) obtained complete morphological remission after the first cycle of treatment. The maximum number of cycles received is 15 and counting. Three (30%) of patients only tolerated one cycle of treatment due to prolonged neutropenia, and/or infective complications. Although all patient developed neutropenia during, and after the completion of the first cycle of treatment, the 40% that are still alive, did not develop concurrent thrombocytopenia after cycle 1 of treatment. Sixty per cent of the patients have died since initiating treatment, making an average of 19.95 weeks from the initiation of treatment to death. Fifty per cent of these patients died from sepsis related causes. The remainder, had unclearly documented cause of death. While being mindful of the small sample size, these realworld data show that although most patients will achieve a good response to the combination of azacytidine and venetoclax after the first cycle, cytopenias, and in particular neutropenia, remains a difficult challenge to tackle leading to recurrent and prolonged hospital admissions, treatment delays and discontinuation of therapy. Although this treatment combination remains a safer option during the pandemic compared to intensive chemotherapy, the data compel us to reflect on the intentions of treatment, and encourage us to have more transparent conversations with patients about the likelihood of recurrent hospital admissions at a time where hospitals are deemed more dangerous than self-isolating, and the possibility of contracting an infection stronger than their body's ability to cope.

COVID-19 infection and treatment-resistant cocaine-induced pyoderma gangrenosum: A case report.

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis of non-infectious etiology. Cocaine-induced PG (CIPG) is a documented clinical variant. Case presentation: We report an exceptional case of cocaine-induced PG flare unresponsive to conventional treatment in the context of positive COVID status. A 41year-old male with past medical history of recent COVID infection, pyoderma gangrenosum and chronic cocaine abuse presented with acutely worsening multifocal ulcerations covering multiple limbs approximately 30% body surface area (BSA) one day after cocaine use. After hospitalization for ten days with no improvement in cutaneous symptoms, he was transferred to a burn center for disease control with biologics. Discussion: The previous temporal relationship between disease outbreak and cocaine consumption and improvement after its discontinuation no longer remained in the setting of COVID positive status. This is the first case in literature of extensive and treatment-refractory PG in a COVID-positive patient with recent cocaine use. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of further investigation on the connection between COVID infection and PG and the need for establishing treatment guidelines for PG.

Neutrophilic urticaria with systemic inflammation (NUSI) following Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

The Pfizer–BioNTech mRNA vaccine has shown excellent protection against the severity of COVID-19, yet adequate research on rare adverse events is lacking. Herein, we discuss the case of a 36-year-old female who had developed an urticarial polymorphous eruption, episcleritis, and inflammatory oligo-arthritis, in keeping with neutrophilic urticaria with systemic inflammation (NUSI), following the administration of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Investigations for other dermatological and rheumatological conditions were unremarkable, while multiple skin biopsies were highly suggestive of a neutrophilic drug reaction. To gain symptom control, our patient required multiple weeks off from work and was treated with several immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. Further research with larger numbers is needed to identify adverse events more accurately, which will aid both in early diagnosis and prompt treatment for patients. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Our Dermatology Online / Nasza Dermatologia Online is the property of Our Dermatology Online and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Dealing with Corticosteroid and High-Dose Cyclosporine Therapy in a Pyoderma Gangrenosum Patient Contracting a COVID-19 Infection.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare and chronic neutrophil inflammation belonging to the spectrum of autoinflammatory disorders. Immunosuppressive therapy is the cornerstone of successful treatment. However, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, physicians struggle with therapeutic strategies during infection. This paper describes the case of a 58-year-old patient with a very painful, rapidly increasing wound on his right foot, which was diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum. Five weeks after the initial treatment with high-dose immunosuppressives (combination therapy with cyclosporine A and systemic methylprednisolone), he became infected with COVID-19. Reduction in the immunosuppressive dosage proved effective, as the patient recovered from COVID-19 without any complication and showed rapid wound healing.

Loose scrotal wound edge approximation in the setting of pyoderma gangrenosum after COVID-19 infection.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare autoinflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent ulcers. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and treatment can be challenging due to limited evidence-based therapies. While surgical management is typically avoided due to the risk of pathergy, it can be warranted in specific cases. Here, we have illustrated a unique case of genital PG that began after COVID-19 infection and which resulted in scrotal prolapse with testicular exposure. Loose closure with a horizontal mattress suture while the patient was on immunosuppression allowed for complete wound healing.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Induced by BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in a Healthy Adult.

(1) Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown etiology. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines can cause a variety of adverse cutaneous manifestations. PG associated with mRNA vaccines has not previously been described. This case study reports on the first patient to develop PG after receiving BNT162b2. (2) Case Presentation: An otherwise-healthy 27-year-old man developed multiple skin lesions 24 h after receiving the first dose of the messenger RNA-based Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine. When in hospital, he developed a new painful ulcerative lesion on his right hand. Skin ulcer edge biopsy showed severe epidermal neutrophilic infiltrate with epidermal and dermal edema, underlying superficial dermal necrosis, and characteristic undermining with extensive mixed inflammatory infiltration of the dermis and abscess formation consistent with an ulcer with mixed dermal inflammation compatible with pyoderma gangrenosum. The lesion showed rapid improvement after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. (3) Conclusions: PG may be a rare adverse event related to the BNT162b2 vaccine, which could be more frequently encountered with the wide-scale use of mRNA vaccines. The continuous monitoring and surveillance of skin manifestations post-vaccination is essential.

Skin manifestations associated with systemic diseases - Part I.

The skin demonstrates what is happening in the body in many diseases, as it reflects some internal processes on the surface. In this sense, skin as an organ, goes beyond its protective and barrier functions, as it provides clues for the identification of some systemic diseases. The dermatologist then raises diagnostic hypotheses for conditions related to all systems and refers them to the appropriate specialty. With easy access to examination by trained eyes and biopsies, the skin can present specific or non specific alterations on histopathology. In the first case this combination establishes the diagnosis of the disease itself. Non specific manifestations can occur in a variety of contexts and then histopathology is not specific of a particular disease. This article is divided into two parts that will cover large groups of diseases. In this first part, cutaneous manifestations of the main rheumatologic diseases are described, which are the ones with the greatest interface with dermatology. The authors also talk about vascular manifestations and granulomatous diseases. In the second part, endocrinological, hematological, oncological, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal diseases, pruritus and its causes are discussed, and finally, the dermatological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection. The authors' intention is that, by using direct and easily accessible language, aim to provide practical material for consultation and improvement to all dermatologists who recognize the importance of a comprehensive assessment of their patients.

In vitro diagnostics for the medical dermatologist. Part II: Hypercoagulability tests.

The skin often provides initial clues of hypercoagulability with features such as livedo reticularis, livedo racemosa, retiform purpura, necrosis, and ulcerations. Because these cutaneous manifestations are nonspecific, laboratory testing is often needed to evaluate for underlying causes of hypercoagulability. Importantly, these disorders are reported to be the most common mimicker, resulting in an erroneous diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. Understanding inherent properties of, and indications for, available tests is necessary for appropriate ordering and interpretation of results. Additionally, ordering of these tests in an indiscriminate manner may lead to inaccurate results, complicating the interpretation and approach to management. This second article in this continuing medical education series summarizes information on methodology, test characteristics, and limitations of several in vitro laboratory tests used for the work up of hypercoagulability and vasculopathic disease as it pertains to dermatologic disease.