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Juvenile gangrenous vasculitis of the scrotum: Is it a variant of pyoderma gangrenosum?

Caputo R, Marzano AV, Di Benedetto A, Ramoni S, Cambiaghi S

Institute of Dermatological Sciences, University of Milan-Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Italy.

Juvenile gangrenous vasculitis of the scrotum was described by Piñol et al in 1974 as a unique variant of scrotal gangrene of unknown origin, occurring exclusively in young individuals. It was characterized by an acute onset of skin ulcers undergoing complete resolution after appropriate therapy, with no relapses. We present a typical case of this extremely rare disease affecting a 16-year-old boy in whom the scrotal ulcerations were preceded by an episode of pharyngitis with fever. The condition promptly regressed after administration of intramuscular betamethasone in combination with oral ciprofloxacin. According to Piñol et al, juvenile gangrenous vasculitis of the scrotum, although poorly known to dermatologists, should be regarded as a distinctive entity within the wide group of scrotal gangrenes. On the other hand, the hypothesis that this condition may well represent a variant of pyoderma gangrenosum is discussed.

Published 17 July 2006 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 55(2): S50-3.
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