1/2. Granulomatous lymphangitis of the scrotum and penis. Report of a case and review of the literature of genital swelling with sarcoidal granulomatous inflammation.BACKGROUND: Acquired lymphedema of the genitalia is a rare childhood presentation and is more common in elderly individuals secondary to pelvic/abdomenal malignancy or its therapy or worldwide due to filariasis. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we report a case of a healthy 11-year-old boy who presented with a 1-year history of chronic, asymptomatic scrotal and penile swelling. biopsy revealed edema, lymphangiectases and peri- and intralymphatic sarcoidal type granulomas. This histologic pattern of granulomatous lymphangitis is most commonly associated with orofacial granulomatosis (granulomatous cheilitis and melkersson-rosenthal syndrome) and Crohn's disease. Treatment with topical steroids and physical support has resulted in marked improvement. No systemic disease (Crohn's disease) is evident 1 year later. literature review revealed 44 cases of genital lymphedema with non-infectious granulomas. The majority of these young patients had Crohn's disease, frequently with anal involvement and a minority, both with and without Crohn's disease, had orofacial granulomatosis. CONCLUSIONS: Granulomatous lymphangitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic idiopathic swelling of the genitalia, particularly in younger individuals. Further clinical examination, additional laboratory studies and close follow-up for co-existing or subsequent development of Crohn's disease should be performed. The overlap between granulomatous lymphangitis of the genitalia, Crohn's disease and orofacial granulomatosis suggest that granulomatous lymphangitis of the genitalia may represent a forme fruste of Crohn's disease.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Acute lymphangitis mimicking mechanical neck pain.OBJECTIVE: To discuss acute lymphangitis as a potentially serious infection that can mimic mechanical musculoskeletal pain. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 27-year-old male plant worker had right-sided neck pain. Numerous lesions on the patient's scalp were observed, but were not considered to be related to the chief complaint. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Conservative therapy was initiated to address what was thought to be mechanical neck pain. Shortly after the initial visit, it became evident that the source of the neck pain was infection because lymphangitis developed. Antibiotic therapy was initiated and complete resolution of the complaint occurred within 1 week. CONCLUSION: Primary contact practitioners should consider all aspects of the patient history and physical findings when formulating a diagnosis. This is especially important in the case of patients presenting with lymphangitis because mismanagement could have serious consequences. The importance of a good patient history and team approach to care is demonstrated by this case.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |