Acute genital ulcers

Abstract

Acute genital ulcers, also known as acute vulvar ulcers, ulcus vulvae acutum or Lipschütz ulcers, refer to an ulceration of the vulva or lower vagina of non-venereal origin that usually presents in young women, predominantly virgins. Although its incidence is unknown, it seems a rare entity, with few cases reported in the literature. Their aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. The disease is characterised by an acute onset of flu-like symptoms with single or multiple painful ulcers on the vulva. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, after exclusion of other causes of vulvar ulcers. The treatment is mainly symptomatic, with spontaneous resolution in 2 weeks and without recurrences in most cases. We present a case report of a 13-year-old girl with two episodes of acute ulcers that fit the clinical criteria for Lipschütz ulcers.

Lipschütz genital ulcer revisited: is juvenile gangrenous vasculitis of the scrotum the male counterpart?

“…Most of the subsequent reports focus on the first type of ulcer described by Lipschütz displaying deep ulceration with excruciating pain of acute febrile onset, which rarely recurs . Only a few reports described the afebrile, painless and recurrent nature of the second type of ulcer which was clearly pointed out by Lipschütz . Some retrospective studies no longer distinguished between the two kinds of ulcers mentioned by Lipschütz .…”

“…[6][7][8][9] Only a few reports described the afebrile, painless and recurrent nature of the second type of ulcer which was clearly pointed out by Lipsch€ utz. 10,11 Some retrospective studies no longer distinguished between the two kinds of ulcers mentioned by Lipsch€ utz. 4,5 This indifference may lead to the great variation in the analysis of the onset age, recurrence rate, virginal status, prodromal symptoms and the possible microbiological associations.…”

Acute Genital Ulcer in a Young Girl

“…Lipschütz ulcer or ulcus vulvae acutum is an uncommon and probably underdiagnosed entity characterized by an acute, painful vulvar ulceration of non-venereal origin. [1][2][3][4][5][6] It is considered to be more common in adolescents or young women, who frequently are virgins, but several cases have also been reported in children. [1][2][3][4][5][6] The etiology remains unknown.…”

A rare cause of genital ulcer

“…The diagnosis is clinical, after ruling out other causes of genital ulcerations such as sexually transmitted and autoimmune diseases and trauma. [1][2][3] We report a case of a healthy 13-year-old girl who developed flu-like symptoms and painful vulvar oedema (figure 1) followed by the appearance of labia minora ulcers (figure 2), without other mucosal or skin lesions. Complementary examinations were negative for microbial or autoimmune aetiology; there was no history of trauma, sexual activity or abuse.…”