Work

The utility of biopsy in pyoderma gangrenosum: a retrospective cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin condition characterized by chronic, painful ulcerations. It is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, often resulting in diagnostic delay. Histological results in PG, even when biopsied despite a risk of pathergy, are nonspecific. Objectives: To examine retrospectively the utility of biopsies in the diagnosis of 58 patients treated for PG. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to compare biopsy results versus the efficacy of diagnostic rating systems (Delphi, Su, PARACELSUS). Results: Among 58 patients, 26 (45%) underwent biopsies, with only 10 (38%) contributing to a PG diagnosis. As a single-centre and retrospective study, documentation style and sample size limit generalizability. Conclusions: Given risk of pathergy, nonspecific histopathological findings and low sensitivity, in our opinion, based on this small sample size, biopsies have limited diagnostic value for PG.

Source: Skin Health and Disease

DOI: 10.1093/skinhd/vzaf087