Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Erythema Nodosum Revealing Takayasu’s Arteritis

Abstract

We report a Caucasian female who presented with simultaneous erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum due to underlying Takayasu’s arteritis. Takayasu’s arteritis is a chronic large vessel vasculitis of unknown cause. The disease has a worldwide distribution but is most commonly seen in Asian populations. There is a strong predilection for young females. The clinical presentation is variable, but mostly derives from stenosis or occlusion of affected arteries, resulting in claudication and ischemia. Skin manifestations are observed in up to 28% of patients with Takayasu’s arteritis, with erythema nodosum reported more frequently in Caucasians. Pyoderma gangrenosum is more common in Asian patients. This report demonstrates the importance to exclude Takayasu’s arteritis in patients with such skin lesions.