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Penile and Scrotal Swelling: An Underrecognized Presentation of Crohn's Disease
Author(s) -
Barrick Benjamin J.,
Tollefson Megha M.,
Schoch Jennifer J.,
McEvoy Marian T.,
Hand Jennifer L.,
Wieland Carilyn N.,
Davis Dawn M. R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/pde.12772
Subject(s) - medicine , sex organ , cohort , disease , dermatology , edema , presentation (obstetrics) , adverse effect , scrotum , crohn's disease , surgery , genetics , biology
Abstract Background: Penile and scrotal swelling can occur as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease ( CD ) and is thought to be an uncommon form of metastatic CD ( MCD ). Because of the rarity of this manifestation, much is unknown concerning the presentation, treatment, and response to therapy in children with genital MCD . Methods: Boys ages 1 to 17 years presenting with genital edema and a confirmed diagnosis or strong suspicion of CD who were evaluated at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2014 were included for review. We sought to characterize the clinical and pathologic features of genital MCD and response to treatment in our cohort of patients. Results: Eight patients with genital MCD were identified from our institution (mean age 11.4 yrs, range 7–16yrs). Seven (88%) patients experienced cutaneous symptoms before a formal diagnosis of CD was made, and two of the seven had no adverse gastrointestinal symptoms at that time. Patients were prescribed an average of 3.4 medications (topical and systemic) for management of their gastrointestinal CD and MCD . Conclusions: Penile and scrotal swelling can occur as an extraintestinal manifestation of CD and is thought to be an uncommon form of MCD . In boys, genital swelling typically precedes intestinal CD . Treatment of the underlying CD with systemic medications was most helpful in this series. An evaluation for CD is necessary in all patients presenting with unexplained genital swelling.