Elephantiasis mimicry in recurrent lower limb skin infections in a diabetic patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic edema as a complication of systemic diseases or infections can mimic filarial lymphedema (also known as elephantiasis) and considered so. We describe a case of chronic lymphedema that mimicked elephantiasis in a diabetic man. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 70-year-old black man, bed-bound at the time of admission following a diagnosis of stroke and hypertension in the previous 5 years. He had been diabetic for 20 years with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. He suffered recurrent bilateral lower limb skin infections for 5 years prior to admission that culminated into progressive lowerlimb edema. The infections eventually complicated into skin edema, hardening, fissuring, and hyperkeratotic plaques. The physical examination revealed Tinea pedis and bilateral non-pitting edema of lowerlimbs to the level of the knees. Investigations confirmed non-filarial lymphedema-related skin changes. The absence of the classic pebbly/cobblestone skin changes ruled out elephantiasis nostra verrucosa (ENV), with a possibility of it being in the early stages of evolution. The patient's skin fissuring and infections were successfully treated with antibiotics and antifungals while compression stockings helped to relieve the edema. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic lymphedema can complicate repeated non-filarial infections of lower limbs. Its fissures are a risk factor for cellulitis, prompting early identification and management of both infections and lymphedema to halt their vicious cycle, especially in at risk populations like diabetics.

[Elephantiasis of the lower limb: Treatment of seven cases using the modified Charles technique]. / L'éléphantiasis du membre pelvien : traitement de sept cas selon la technique de Charles modifiée.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphedema is an obstructive dysfunction of the lymphatic system characterised by an inability of the lymphatic system to eliminate excess lymphatic load. It can be congenital or secondary. Untreated, it progresses in three stages, the final stage being elephantiasis. We report a short series of 7 cases of elephantiasis of the lower limb treated with the Charles technique. Our aim was to describe the results of the surgical treatment. METHOD: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study from January 2010 to December 2020. Patients with at least one lower limb elephantiasis of any aetiology of any age and gender who underwent excisional surgery with a complete medical record containing clinical and therapeutic data were included. RESULTS: During the study period, we received 710 patients with a prevalence of elephantiasis of 1.69%. The mean age was 43.3±14.5years with a male predominance. No etiology or co-morbidity factors (diabetes, hypertension, VRS) were found. In our mini-series, the average time between the two procedures was 34.3±9.6days. The mean time to healing was 82.3±15.1days. All patients healed with two excellent results. CONCLUSION: excisional surgery with two-stage repair combined with compression therapy gave satisfactory results.

Saxophone penis - An intriguing manifestation of gastrointestinal metastasis.

Genital elephantiasis is associated with sexually transmitted infections such as lymphogranuloma venereum. Here we present an unusual and rare non-venereal cause of Saxophone penis.

Clinical impact of selumetinib on pediatric elephantiasis neuromatosa.

Elephantiasis neuromatosa (EN) is a rare and extreme form of plexiform neurofibroma in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). EN is often associated with significant morbidity and remains difficult to treat. We present a case of an 11-year-old female with NF1 whose thoracolumbar plexiform neurofibroma and lower extremity EN exhibited clinical improvement from treatment with selumetinib, a selective MEK inhibitor.

A Case of Elephantiasis Nostras Verrucosa Secondary to Lymphedema Praecox Complicated by Congestive Cardiac Failure.

BACKGROUND In lymphedema, an imbalance in the formation and absorption of lymph causes accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium of the most gravity-dependent parts of the body. Diagnosis is usually made based on patient medical history and a physical examination showing a typical appearance of the affected body part. Differential diagnosis is confirmed by imaging. CASE REPORT Primary lymphedema is inherited in through an autosomal dominant pattern. Congestive cardiac failure and non-filarial infections predispose patients to the secondary form of lymphedema, elephantiasis nostras verrucosa (ENV). We present the case of a 65-year-old man with lymphedema praecox complicated by congestive cardiac failure. The patient was experiencing worsening left leg swelling and had a prior history of unilateral leg swelling at puberty. The condition was inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern, as his father, elder brother, and nephew were diagnosed with the same disease. The left leg showed non-pitting edema with indurated, woody skin and lichenification. The right leg had mild pitting edema. There were numerous verrucous folds and cobblestone-like nodules, and plaques and a painless ulcer on the left leg. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated an elevated B-type natriuretic peptide. He was treated with compression stockings and inelastic multi-layer bandaging and was administered limb decongestive treatment. After 1 week of therapy, his swelling had somewhat improved. CONCLUSIONS Various conditions can cause ENV and it can superimpose on any form of hereditary lymphedema. The most effective strategy for this condition seems to be a thorough workup of the underlying cause of the ENV and early intervention.

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa in the setting of lymphoedema tarda and neurofibromatosis type 1.

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa (ENV) comprises an uncommon skin disease characterised by dermal fibrosis with hyperkeratotic, verrucous and papillomatous lesions that usually occur after chronic lymphoedema. We describe the case of a 56-year-old-man with neurofibromatosis type 1, no known surgical history, no chronic medication and no travel history, presenting with worsening non-pitting oedema and impressive foul-smelling mossy plaques and cobblestone-like nodules in both legs and feet, especially on the right, compatible with the diagnosis of ENV.

Elefantiasis verrucosa nostra / Elephantiasis nostra verrucosa

No disponible

The impact of acute adenolymphangitis in podoconiosis on caregivers: A case study in Wayu Tuka woreda, Oromia, Western Ethiopia. 'If she was healthy, I would be free.'

BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis, also known as mossy foot or endemic non-filarial elephantiasis, is a preventable form of lower-leg lymphoedema caused by prolonged (typically barefoot) exposure to soil derived from volcanic rocks. Acute adenolymphangitis (also called 'acute attack') is a serious complication of podoconiosis resulting in significant symptoms and worsening disability. Despite the well-known morbidity associated with podoconiosis, to date there have been no studies looking at the impact, or burden, of podoconiosis on caregivers. This study explored the experiences and impact of acute attacks on the caregivers of those with podoconiosis in one endemic district of Ethiopia. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This qualitative study was based in Wayu Tuka woreda (district), Oromia, Western Ethiopia. 27 semi-structured interviews of those with podoconiosis and their caregivers were conducted in June 2018. Here we report the findings from the caregiver's interviews. Data were analysed using NVivo 12. Directed content analysis, a qualitative approach related to thematic analysis, was used to analyse the results. This study highlights a previously unreported impact of acute attacks on the caregivers of those affected by podoconiosis. The findings demonstrate the significant social and financial pressures placed on podoconiosis-affected families which are exacerbated during acute attacks. This study also highlighted the emotional burden experienced by caregivers, the range of care activities placed on them and the limited support available. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a significant impact on the caregivers of those with podoconiosis, especially during acute attacks, in Wayu Tuka woreda. It also highlighted the limited support available to caregivers. Further research is needed to understand whether this impact applies to podoconiosis caregivers across Ethiopia, and beyond, and to establish if there are wider implications of this important consequence of podoconiosis, for example on the economy and caregivers' mental and physical health.

Evolución de heridas crónicas infectadas en un paciente con elefantiasis / Evolution of Infected Chronic Wounds in a Patient with Elephantiasis

Se presenta un caso clínico de un paciente con elefantiasis y úlceras sobreinfectadas en ambas extremidades inferiores, incluyendo una valoración enfermera, diagnósticos prioritarios, plan de cuidados, justificación del tratamiento elegido y la evolución posterior. La evidencia de infección de las úlceras planteó la necesidad de instaurar una terapia con cadexómero yodado para tratar localmente la infección, e hidrogel para evitar la formación de biopelículas. Transcurrido un mes del alta del paciente se realizó un seguimiento en el que se observó una evolución favorable con aumento de tejido de granulación y tejido epitelial en varias de las lesiones presentes, por lo que se valoró de forma favorable el procedimiento de cura en ambiente húmedo; la mejora en los hábitos higiénico-dietéticos se completó por parte del paciente

We present the clinical case of a patient with elephantiasis and superinfected ulcers in both lower limbs, including the Nursing assessment, primary diagnosis, plan of care, justification for the treatment selected, and subsequent evolution. The evidence of ulcer infection required to initiate therapy with cadexomer iodine in order to treat the infection locally, and hydrogel to prevent the formation of biofilms. Follow-up was conducted one month after the patient was discharged, and favourable evolution was observed, with an increase in granulation tissue and epithelial tissue in many of the lesions; therefore, the procedure of healing in a moist environment was assessed as favourable, and the improvement in hygienic-dietary habits was completed by the patient

Comparison of Staging Systems to Assess Lymphedema Caused by Cancer Therapies, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Podoconiosis.

Background: Lymphedema is a disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue resulting from a disturbance in lymph flow. Anyone can be affected, and causes include cancer therapy when lymph nodes are removed or irradiated, the parasitic disease lymphatic filariasis, and damage caused by exposure to irritant soils known as podoconiosis. Manifest lymphedema is progressive and a major contributor to disability, stigma, and social isolation for affected people. Although the pathogenesis of connective tissue changes in lymphedema will follow a similar course regardless of the disease of causation, several systems are used to stage progression. Disparity in these staging systems leads to inconsistency in reporting of the severity of lymphedema and prevents meta-analysis of research results. In the global health environment, integrated morbidity management for chronic illness is essential to meet the needs of affected people and to be sustainable for health care systems. Clinical descriptors for staging criteria within each system may assist clinicians in assessment and provide a format for consistency in reporting by lymphedema researchers. Methods and Results: Lymphedema staging systems used in oncology, filariasis, and podoconiosis settings were reviewed and the assessment techniques, diagnostic procedures, and clinical observations used by each system are described. The most commonly used staging systems are compared to identify similarities, and a matrix approach to lymphedema staging is proposed. Conclusion: A universal staging system would contribute to more consistent reporting of research on and clinical management of lymphedema arising from multiple causes.

¿Linfedema escrotal? A propósito de un caso / Scrotal lymphedema? Report of a case

Presentamos el caso y la evolución de un paciente obeso mórbido con antecedentes de dermolipectomía que acudió al Servicio de Urología por iniciativa propia a raíz un cuadro clínico de aumento de volumen escrotal que simulaba un linfedema escrotal con pene umbilicado. Después de realizar los estudios complementarios se asocia el cuadro clínico a los antecedentes quirúrgicos y se decide realizar la exéresis del tejido afecto y una cirugía reparadora junto con el servicio de Cirugía Plástica. El informe de Anatomía Patológica describe un angiomixoma benigno. En este contexto exponemos el caso de un paciente diagnosticado de linfedema escrotal que escondía un angiomixoma (AU)

We report the evolution of a morbidly obese patient with a history of dermolipectomy who attended the Urology Department because of an enlargement of the scrotum and penis. After performing additional studies, the cause is attributed to his surgical history and it was decided to perform the excision of the affected tissue and a reconstructive surgery. The pathology report revealed a benign angiomyxoma. In this context we describe the case of a patient diagnosed with scrotal lymphedema that hid a angiomyxoma (AU)

Elefantiasis nostras verrucosa / Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa

No disponible

The impact of podoconiosis on quality of life in Northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, which untreated, causes considerable physical disability and stigma for affected individuals. Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) of patients with podoconiosis. This study aimed to assess the QoL of patients with podoconiosis in comparison with healthy controls in Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2012, among 346 clinically confirmed adult patients with podoconiosis, and 349 healthy adult neighbourhood controls in Dembecha woreda (district) in northern Ethiopia. QoL was assessed using the validated Amharic version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) scale; in addition, mental health and stigma were assessed by the Kessler-10 scale and podoconiosis stigma scale respectively. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with QoL. RESULTS: Patients with podoconiosis had significantly lower mean overall QoL than the controls (52.05 versus 64.39), and this was also true in all four sub domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental). Controls were 7 times more likely to have high (above median) QoL (Odds Ratio = 6.74, 95% Confidence Interval 4.62 to 9.84) than cases. Factors associated with lower QoL were: experiencing high levels of stigma, living in an urban area, being illiterate, having additional co-morbidities, and being unmarried. Mental illness was associated with lower scores in psychological and physical domains. CONCLUSIONS: Programs targeting podoconiosis interventions should include QoL as an indicator for monitoring progress. Interventions targeting improvement of QoL among patients with podoconiosis should address depression, stigma and other co-morbidities.

[Current wound care in patients with elephantiasis--third-stage lymphedema]. / Suvremeno lijecenje rana kod bolesnika s elefantijazom --trecim stadijem limfedema.

Lymphedema resulting from fluid accumulation due to impairment in the lymphatic system drainage leads to enlargement of the body part involved. If left untreated, in its third stage it results in elephantiasis. Elephantiasis is frequently accompanied by papillomatosis and lymphocutaneous fistulas with lymphorrhoea, erosions and ulcers, frequently with the loss of function in the respective part of the body. Unlike other chronic wounds, wound healing in lymphedema is highly dependent on the use of combined therapies because local treatment with modern supportive dressings and compression therapy with adhesive and non-adhesive short-stretch systems is only part of the complete treatment. This treatment also includes sub-bandage foamy materials, kinesitherapy with tapes (kinesiotaping), intermittent local application of high-pressure oxygen, breathing exercise, and manual lymph drainage and exercises.