Chronic Cellulitis in Elephantiasis: A Rare Debilitating Phenomenon.

chronic cellulitis elephantiasis leg edema lower extremity cellulitis lymphatic system

Journal

Cureus
ISSN: 2168-8184
Titre abrégé: Cureus
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101596737

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
Jul 2024
Historique:
received: 10 05 2024
accepted: 31 07 2024
medline: 2 9 2024
pubmed: 2 9 2024
entrez: 2 9 2024
Statut: epublish

Résumé

Chronic edema, which has multiple etiologies, is predicted to be a significant underlying cause of lymphedema, potentially leading to serious complications. Elephantiasis, characterized by massive swelling of any body part, is a rare but debilitating condition often associated with lymphatic obstruction or anomalies in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can predispose a patient to cellulitis, an infectious condition with multiple risk factors. This case study presents a 45-year-old male with a history of chronic lymphatic obstruction due to elephantiasis and recurrent cellulitis in his lower limb. Despite receiving multiple courses of antibiotics, the patient continued to experience multiple episodes of cellulitis, along with worsening lymphedema and functional impairment of the limb. The mainstay of treatment for this condition includes compression stockings and surgery, but addressing the root cause of the disease is crucial. Typically, a multidisciplinary approach is required, involving antibiotics, lymph drainage, and compression therapy. This case highlights the challenges faced in managing elephantiasis and its related complications and emphasizes the need for preventive strategies.

Identifiants

pubmed: 39219932
doi: 10.7759/cureus.65855
pmc: PMC11364152
doi:

Types de publication

Case Reports Journal Article

Langues

eng

Pagination

e65855

Informations de copyright

Copyright © 2024, Singh et al.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Auteurs

Shailja Singh (S)

Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Rushikesh K Shukla (RK)

Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Akhilesh Singh (A)

Emergency medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Sourya Acharya (S)

Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Classifications MeSH