Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with major adverse cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by the rapid onset of painful ulcers. Previous retrospective population-based studies have identified a relationship between PG and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, these studies lacked appropriate control groups and were not conducted in the United States (US).

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the association between PG and MACE using the All of Us (AoU) database, a nationwide initiative created to increase research in underrepresented populations.

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study among US adults in the AoU program from May 6, 2018 to March 2, 2025. SNOMED codes were used to identify all conditions. PG cases were then matched 4:1 to controls by age, sex, ethnicity, and smoking status. MACE was assessed using logistic regression adjusting for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS

We identified 579 PG cases. MACE was significantly associated with PG compared to controls, showing (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.47-3.27; p<.001) in our multivariable model.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative US cohort, PG was independently associated with increased odds of MACE. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular screening in patients with PG and support the need for proactive risk management. Further studies exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this association may help guide more targeted and effective care strategies.