[Genital lymphedema associated with Crohn's disease]

Abstract

Introduction: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory intestinal pathology which can be associated to different extra-digestive manifestations. We reported a case of recurrent genital lymphedema leading to Crohn's disease diagnosis.

Case report: A 49-year-old man was referred for increased penis and scrotal volume, associated with recurrent febrile flare during the 10 previous years. Clinically, we noted an inflammatory penis and scrotum lymphedema. Clinical urological examination, and biological, bacteriological, computer-tomography examinations were negative. Metastatic Crohn's disease was diagnosed in association with concomitant severe terminal ileitis. Treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine resulted in significant decrease of inflammatory genital lymphedema.

Conclusion: Genital inflammatory lymphedema occurs during inflammatory, infectious, and tumor diseases. Some cases of metastatic genital lymphedema related to Crohn's disease are described, most often in children. Inflammatory genital lymphedema associated with gastrointestinal symptoms may suggest Crohn's disease.

Keywords: Crohn's disease; Genital lymphedema; Lymphœdème génital; Maladie de Crohn; Maladie de Crohn métastatique; Metastatic Crohn's disease.