With Bare Feet in the Soil: Podoconiosis, a Neglected Cause of Tropical Lymphoedema.

Podoconiosis is a form of lymphoedema that occurs in tropical highland areas in genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to irritant volcanic soils. The disease is preventable through consistent use of footwear and attention to foot hygiene; however, in endemic areas there is a strong barefoot tradition, and many cannot afford shoes. Patients with podoconiosis face significant physical disability, psychological comorbidity, reduced quality of life and experience frequent episodes of systemic illness due to acute dermatolymphangioadenitis. This review provides an overview of this important and neglected tropical skin disease and summarizes the latest research findings.

Diagnosis of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa as a clinical mani-festation of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, a rare manifestation of Kaposis sarcoma, is a progressive cutaneous hypertrophy caused by chronic non-filarial lymphedema secondary to obstruction of the lymphatic system that can lead to severe disfigurement of parts of the body that have gravity-dependent blood flow, due to edema, fibrosis, and hyperkeratosis, especially lower extremities. Among the various conditions that can induce chronic lymphedema are tumors, trauma, radiotherapy, obesity, hypothyroidism, chronic venous stasis, and AIDS-related Kaposis sarcoma. Kaposis sarcoma is a vascular tumor associated with the presence of human gammaherpesvirus 8 that is predominantly cutaneous, locally aggressive, with metastasis, and is associated with the production of factors that favor inflammation, lymphatic obstruction, and lymphedema.

Diagnosis of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa as a clinical mani-festation of Kaposi's sarcoma / Diagnóstico de elefantiasis nostras verrucosa como mani-festación clínica del Sarcoma de Kaposi

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, a rare manifestation of Kaposi's sarcoma, is a progressive cutaneous hypertrophy caused by chronic non-filarial lymphedema secondary to obstruction of the lymphatic system that can lead to severe disfigurement of parts of the body that have gravity-dependent blood flow, due to edema, fibrosis, and hyperkeratosis, especially lower extremities. Among the various conditions that can induce chronic lymphedema are tumors, trauma, radiotherapy, obesity, hypothyroidism, chronic venous stasis, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumor associated with the presence of human gammaherpesvirus 8 that is predominantly cutaneous, locally aggressive, with metastasis, and is associated with the production of factors that favor inflammation, lymphatic obstruction, and lymphedema.

[Idiopathic scrotal elephantiasis. A case report]. / Elefantiasis escrotal idiopática. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Penoscrotal lymphedema (scrotal elephantiasis) is a condition that has been described in areas in which filariasis is endemic. CASE REPORT: This paper presents a case of a 45-year-old man with idiopathic lymphedema isolated to the scrotum. After acquired causes of lymphedema were ruled out, the patient was treated with scrotectomy and penoscrotal reconstruction. Currently, the patient is receiving follow-up care without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Penoscrotal lymphedema may cause symptoms of weakness, immobility and emotional disturbance. Surgery procedure provides a satisfactory cosmetical and functional outcome.

Introducción: el linfedema penoescrotal (también conocido como elefantiasis penoescrotal) es una condición que históricamente se ha descrito en áreas en las que la filariasis es endémica. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de un hombre de 45 años de edad con linfedema escrotal. Después de descartar las causas adquiridas de linfedema, el paciente fue sometido a escrotectomía, prepuciectomía y reconstrucción escrotal y peneana. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra en seguimiento, sin datos de recidiva. Conclusión: el linfedema penoescrotal puede causar síntomas de debilidad e inmovilidad, así como problemas psicológicos. La cirugía otorga resultados cosméticos y funcionales aceptables.

Intensive outpatient treatment of elephantiasis.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to report on a novel approach to the intensive outpatient treatment of elephantiasis of an underprivileged population. METHODS: Prospective, random study, the diagnosis of lymphedema was clinical and the inclusion of patients was by order of arrival in the treatment center where all were invited to participate in the study. Intensive outpatient therapy was performed for 6 to 8 hours daily over a period of four weeks. Eleven legs with grade III elephantiasis of 8 patients were evaluated in a random prospective study. Three patients were men and five were women with ages ranging between 28 and 66 years old. Treatment included mechanical lymph drainage using the RAGodoy® apparatus for a period of 6 to 8 hours daily and the Godoy & Godoy cervical stimulation technique for 20 minutes per day, both associated to the use of a home-made medical compression stocking using a low-stretch cotton-polyester material. Additionally, manual lymph drainage using the Godoy & Godoy technique was performed for one hour. Perimetry was used to compare measurements made before and after treatment, of the three points of the limb with the largest circumferences. The paired t-test was utilized for statistical analysis with an alpha error greater than 5% (P-value <0.05). RESULTS: Reductions in the perimeter of affected limbs were significant over this 4-week treatment program (P-value=0.001). CONCLUSION: Intensive outpatient treatment is an option for all types of lymphedema with large volumetric reductions being possible in a short period when treating elephantiasis.

Severe pretibial myxedema.

Although pretibial myxedema (PTM) occurs in 4.3% of patients with Graves's disease, the most severe variant, elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, is found in less than 1% of cases. The most frequent location of infiltration is the lower extremities, especially the pretibial areas and on the dorsum of the foot. The authors report one of the most severe cases of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, following radioactive iodine therapy.