Pyoderma gangrenosum treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The management of pyoderma gangrenosum often requires systemic drug therapy, such as corticosteroids, sulfones, or immunosuppressants, either alone or in combination. Inconsistent response to therapy is a source of frustration to both patient and physician. Several reports in the literature document the successful treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In our patient, a woman with severe rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus, hyperbaric oxygen therapy not only promoted healing of pyoderma gangrenosum but permitted reduction of systemic corticosteroids.

Non-von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis presenting as hemifacial neurofibromas and contralateral café au lait spots.

The term neurofibromatosis designates a spectrum of disorders, the most common of which is von Recklinghausen's disease. We describe two patients with forms of neurofibromatosis other than von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, characterized by involvement of half of the face and the contralateral lower extremity. Neither patient had a family history of neurofibromatosis, and a thorough evaluation of both patients failed to reveal evidence of von Recklinghausen's disease. The classification of neurofibromatosis is briefly summarized, with special emphasis placed on the need for a specific diagnosis regarding the type of neurofibromatosis for purposes of estimating prognosis and providing genetic counseling. The relationship between pregnancy and neurofibromatosis is also discussed.