Pyoderma gangrenosum

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no test that can specifically confirm a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. But your doctor may order a variety of tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar signs or symptoms.

Blood tests
A sample of your blood can be tested to check for:

  • Evidence of infection
  • Liver, kidney and thyroid function
  • Rheumatoid factor, which indicates rheumatoid arthritis

Swabs and biopsies
A cotton swab can remove a small sample of liquid from the center of an ulcer to test for different types of infection. A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of the affected skin, so it can be viewed under a microscope.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=740. Accessed Sept. 20, 2012.
  2. Moschella SL. Neutrophilic dermatoses. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 20, 2012.
  3. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Sept. 20, 2012.
  4. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Sept. 20, 2012.
  5. Dabade TS, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of the neutrophilic dermatoses (pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome). Dermatologic Therapy. 2011;24:273.
  6. Miller J, et al. Pyoderma gagrenosum: A review and update on new therapies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62:646.
  7. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 27, 2012.
DS00723 Nov. 27, 2012

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