By Disease Name > Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

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AKA Lymphogranuloma inguinale (vs. granuloma inguinale makes it easy to remember)
mainly a disease of lymphatic tissue that spreads to tissue surrounding lymphatics
Chlamydia trachomatis: 15 serotypes, only 3 cause LGV L1, L2, L3
primary lesion: small painless erosion that heals without scarring (patient will often not notice or remember it; and resolves before nodes enlarge)

 

secondary lesion: lymphadenopathy (= main clinical presentation)

1-4 weeks after primary lesion heals
unilateral 2/3 of time;  painful; 1/3 rupture
buboes =  inflammatory swelling of lymph nodes
groove sign:  enlargement of inguinal nodes above, and femoral nodes below, Pouparts ligament;  1/5 of patients;  pathognomonic

 

diagnosis:

culture available but recovery rate <50%
serologic tests non-specific
therefore, treat with doxycycline

 

summary:

rarely see primary genital ulcer
presents as lymphadenopathy
females get rectal strictures (because disease affects internal lymphatic drainage)