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What is the history of Pyoderma Gangrenosum?

When was Pyoderma Gangrenosum discovered? What is the story of this discovery? Was it coincidence or not?

History of Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Historical Overview


Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the development of painful, necrotic ulcers. First described in medical literature in 1930 by Dr. Brunsting and Dr. Goeckerman, PG has since been the subject of extensive research and clinical observations.


Early reports of PG referred to it as "dermatitis gangrenosa" or "phagedenic pyoderma," highlighting its destructive nature. However, it was not until the 1950s that the term "pyoderma gangrenosum" was coined by Dr. Joseph McCarthy, an American dermatologist.


Throughout the years, the understanding of PG has evolved, leading to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Here is a chronological overview of the key milestones in the history of Pyoderma Gangrenosum:



  1. 1930s: Dr. Brunsting and Dr. Goeckerman first described PG as a distinct clinical entity. They noted its tendency to rapidly progress, forming deep ulcers with undermined borders.

  2. 1950s: Dr. Joseph McCarthy introduced the term "pyoderma gangrenosum" to describe the condition. He emphasized the importance of excluding infection as the cause of the ulcers.

  3. 1960s: Dr. Walter C. Shelley and Dr. Chester M. Fink conducted extensive research on PG, highlighting its association with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis. They proposed the concept of "neutrophilic dermatosis" to explain the underlying pathophysiology.

  4. 1970s: The link between PG and IBD was further established by Dr. Telfer Reynolds and Dr. John L. Jorizzo. They reported a high prevalence of PG in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

  5. 1980s: Advances in immunology shed light on the role of immune dysregulation in PG. Dr. Luis Puig and Dr. Carlos Ferrándiz proposed that PG might be an autoimmune disorder triggered by an abnormal immune response.

  6. 1990s: The discovery of elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in PG patients led to the use of TNF-α inhibitors as a treatment option. This marked a significant breakthrough in managing the disease.

  7. 2000s: Genetic studies revealed potential genetic predispositions to PG. Variants in genes involved in immune regulation, such as PTPN22 and IL23R, were found to be associated with an increased risk of developing PG.

  8. 2010s: The introduction of biologic therapies, including anti-TNF-α agents and interleukin inhibitors, revolutionized the treatment of PG. These targeted therapies showed promising results in controlling disease activity and promoting wound healing.

  9. Present: Ongoing research aims to further unravel the complex mechanisms underlying PG and identify novel therapeutic targets. The development of personalized medicine approaches holds great potential for improving outcomes in patients with PG.


While the history of Pyoderma Gangrenosum spans several decades, much remains to be discovered about this enigmatic condition. The collaboration between dermatologists, immunologists, and geneticists continues to drive progress in understanding and managing this challenging disease.


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I could not believe it when I was finally diagnosed.  Gangrene ! Yeesh!   I had gone through the diagnostic mill.  Diabetic ulcer, poor circulation , insect bites, nothing fitted and I had a sore.  Not a big sore that just did not heal.   On...

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