Lymphogranuloma venereum: "a clinical and histopathological chameleon?"

Abstract

Lymphogranuloma venereum is an infection caused by a variety of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Both genital and extragenital manifestations of the disease can cause serious differential diagnostic difficulties, indirectly leading to progression and dissemination of the infection. This work describes cases of patients with lymphogranuloma venereum showing atypical clinical and/or histopathological findings. It also focuses on alternative therapeutic approaches, such as surgical excision at stage 1, that may lead to a positive outcome. It is not completely clear whether histopathological findings of lymphogranuloma venereum can reveal progression or changes in the course of the disease over time, as is the case in other diseases. We conclude that both clinical and histopathological observations in a larger number of patients are needed in order to further evaluate the findings presented in this article.

Infectious Diseases and Infestations of the Vulva

“…Without treatment, extensive necrosis and scarring can result in lymphedema. Esthiomene, a rare late manifestation of LGV, is a primary infection affecting the lymphatics of the vulva and can evolve to elephantiasis of the genitalia [ 95 ]. Progressive enlargement of the inguinal nodes follows.…”

Chlamydia trachomatisin Cervical Lymph Node of Man with Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Croatia, 20141

“…There have been only a few case reports of LGV with associated cervical lymphadenopathy ( 3 – 8 ) ( Table ). Some cases had generalized lymphadenopathy (axillar, supraclavicular, and retroperitoneal) with constitutional symptoms ( 3 ); pharyngitis/odynophagia/proctitis/tongue soreness ( 4 , 7 ); constitutional symptoms ( 5 , 7 ); tonsillitis ( 6 ); or skin lesions ( 8 ). Case reports have also been described of LGV with supraclavicular and mediastinal lymphadenopathy without cervical involvement ( 9 ).…”