Pyoderma gangrenosum, acne and ulcerative colitis in a patient with a novel mutation in the PSTPIP1 gene

T. Zeeli*, G. Padalon-Brauch, E. Ellenbogen, A. Gat, O. Sarig, E. Sprecher

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PAPA) syndrome is a rare hereditary, autosomal dominant, auto-inflammatory disease caused by mutations in the PSTPIP1 gene, which encodes proline-serine-threonine phosphatase interacting protein 1. The fact that PSTPIP1 is involved in immune regulation provides a rationale for treatment of this rare disease with interleukin (IL)-1 signalling blocking agents. Aim We investigated a 33-year-old man with a long-standing history of ulcerative colitis, severe acne and recurrent skin ulcerations, and a 3-year history of a recalcitrant pustular rash. Methods We used direct sequencing to search for mutations in the PSTPIP1 gene. Results Examination of biopsies obtained from pustules and skin ulcers revealed folliculitis and ulceration with a diffuse neutrophilic dermal infiltrate, consistent with a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. Because of the known association of acne and pyoderma gangrenosum in PAPA syndrome, we determined the entire coding sequence of the PSTPIP1 gene, and identified a hitherto unreported heterozygous mutation predicted to alter a highly conserved residue (p.G403R) and to be damaging to the protein function. Based on this finding, we initiated treatment with a human IL-1 receptor antagonist, anakinra, which led to a dramatic improvement in the patient's condition. Conclusions We describe a novel mutation in PSTPIP1 resulting in pyoderma gangrenosum, acne and ulcerative colitis. This novel constellation of clinical manifestations, which we term 'PAC syndrome', suggests the need to regroup all PSTPIP1-associated phenotypes under one aetiological group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)367-372
Number of pages6
JournalClinical and Experimental Dermatology
Volume40
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2015
Externally publishedYes

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