Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis

Lymphogranuloma venereum Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Classification
Differentiating Lymphogranuloma venereum from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis
Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Lymphogranuloma venereum
Risk calculators and risk factors for Lymphogranuloma venereum natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nate Michalak, B.A.

Natural History

Primary stage

• Incubation period of Chlamydia trachomatis is approximately 3 to 30 days, after which a papule develops at the point of inoculation.
• The papule may ulcerate.
• The lesion is self-limited and will heal in approximately 1 week.
• Individuals with rectal exposure may develop proctitis.

Complications

Genital elephantiasis or esthiomene, which is the dramatic end-result of lymphatic obstruction, which may occur because of the strictures themselves, or fistulas. This is usually seen in females, may ulcerate and often occurs 1-20 years after primary infection. Fistulas of, but not limited to, the penis, urethra, vagina, uterus, or rectum. Also, surrounding edema often occurs. Rectal or other strictures and scarring. Systemic spread may occur, possible results are arthritis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, or perihepatitis.

Prognosis

Highly variable. Spontaneous remission is common. Complete cure can be obtained with proper antibiotic treatment. Course is more favorable with early treatment. Bacterial superinfections may complicate course. Death can occur from bowel obstruction or perforation. Follicular conjunctivitis due to autoinoculation of infectious discharge.