Abdominal ultrasound in paraneoplastic Pyoderma gangrenosum caused by renal carcinoma

Abstract

We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient, with refractory ulcers in the groin. Ultrasoundand CT showed a large vascularized tumor of the kidney with cystic parts and inhomogeneous dynamic behaviour. Histology demonstrated Pyoderma gangrenosum (ulcer) and well differentiated adenocarcinoma (kidney).

Pyoderma gangrenosum appears as paraneoplastic manifestation in about 7% of cases, especially in lymphomas and tumors involving the digestive tract.

Particularities of the case consisted in the accidental discovery of the renal tumor, in spite of the lack of urinary syndromes. The present case highlights the importance of tumor screening in patients with atypical antibiotic-refractory skin ulcers.