Huge Vulval Elephantiasis of Unknown Aetiology

Abstract

Genital Elephantiasis is an important medical problem in the tropics; usually affects young and productive age group and is associated with physical disability and mental anguish. It is one of the bizarre & nipping diseases and has a long history of worldwide distribution. Most of the reported cases occur as an end result of lymphatic obstruction due to various diseases like Filariasis, sexually transmitted diseases (LGV & Donovanosis) as well as malignancies. Few cases may remain of unknown etiology. We are reporting a case of huge vulval elephantiasis, etiology of which remained unknown.

Unilateral Vulvar Elephantiasis as a Late Complication of Untreated Inguinal Lymphadenitis: a Case Report and Literature Review

“…Fibro epithelial polyp, fungal infection and granuloma inguinale all make important differentials for this condition. There are also cases in which the cause is not identified after thorough work up [2][3][4][5].…”

“…Of the total cases of elephantiasis only 1 to 2% involves the female genitalia and result in Elephantiasis of the female genitalia [2,4]. Though rare, genital elephantiasis, when present is associated with significant physical disability and mental depression [5,6]. It is reported as long term complication of tubercular lymphadenitis, filariasis and sexually transmitted infections in case reports from around the world.…”

Abdominal Elephantiasis: An Obstructive Disease Due to Extreme Obesity

“…The word "elephantiasis" comes from elephant-like appearance, and is used for indicating the enlargement of the various limbs of the body, such as abdomen, legs, arms, etc. Elephantiasis is formed from chronic lymphedema, and is characterized by gross enlargement of the various organs of the body (Sethi & Sethi, 2014). Abdominal elephantiasis is a rare and uncommon disease.…”

Bilateral Lower Limb and Abdominal Elephantiasis Due to Erysipelas

“…The term “elephantiasis” describes an elephant-like appearance or overt enlargement of the legs, arms, or vulva. [ 3 ] Lymphedema manifests as soft-pitting edema in the affected tissues that results in a local inflammatory response, which finally leads to nonpitting edema. The affected tissues sustain further injury as a result of the local inflammatory response and recurrent infections.…”