Lipschütz Ulcer: An Unusual Diagnosis that Should Not be Neglected

Abstract The diagnosis of genital ulcers remains a challenge in clinical practice. Lipschütz ulcer is a non-sexually transmitted rare and, probably, underdiagnosed condition, characterized by the sudden onset of vulvar edema along with painful necrotic ulcerations. Despite its unknown incidence, this seems to be an uncommon entity, with sparse cases reported in the literature. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented at the emergency department with vulvar ulcers. She denied any sexual intercourse. The investigation excluded sexually transmitted infections, so, knowledge of different etiologies of non-venereal ulcers became essential. The differential diagnoses are extensive and include inflammatory processes, drug reactions, trauma, and malignant tumors. Lipschütz ulcer is a diagnosis of exclusion. With the presentation of this case report, the authors aim to describe the etiology, clinical course, and outcomes of this rare disease, to allow differential diagnosis of genital ulceration.

Postoperative topical analgesia of hemorrhoidectomy with policresulen and cinchocaine: a prospective and controlled study / Analgesia tópica com policresuleno e cinchocaína no pós-operatório de hemorroidectomias: um estudo prospectivo e controlado

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of topical policresulen and cinchocaine in the postoperative pain behavior of open hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double-blinded, controlled study. The control group received the usual guidelines with oral medications. The topical treatment group received, in addition, the application of the ointment and was comprised of two subgroups (policresulen + cinchocaine, and placebo). Pain intensity was recorded with the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: 43 patients were operated on: control group - n = 13, one excluded; placebo - n = 15; and policresulen + cinchocaine - n = 15. The mean age was 45.98 years and 37.2% were men. The average pain intensity was 4.09 (immediate postoperative), 3.22 (hospital discharge), 5.73 (day 1) , 5.77 (day 2), 5.74 (day 3), 5.65 (day 7), 5.11 (day 10), 2.75 (day 15) and 7.70 (first bowel movement), with no difference between groups in all periods. CONCLUSION: This study showed no reduction in pain after hemorrhoidectomy with the use of topical policresulen and cinchocaine. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a ação do policresuleno e cinchocaína tópicos no comportamento da dor no pós-operatório de hemorroidectomias abertas. MÉTODOS: estudo prospectivo, duplo cego e controlado. O grupo controle recebeu as orientações usuais com medicações de uso oral. O grupo de tratamento tópico recebeu, adicionalmente, a aplicação de pomada e foi composto de dois subgrupos (policresuleno + cinchocaína; e placebo). A intensidade da dor foi registrada a partir da escala visual analógica. RESULTADOS: foram operados 43 pacientes: grupo controle (n=13; um excluído), placebo (n=15) e policresuleno + cinchocaína (n=15). A média de idade foi 45,98 anos e 37,2% foram homens. A média da intensidade da dor foi 4,09 (PO imediato), 3,22 (alta hospitalar), 5,73 (dia 1), 5,77 (dia 2), 5,74 (dia 3), 5,65 (dia 7), 5,11 (dia 10), 2,75 (dia 15) e 7,70 (primeira evacuação), sem diferença entre os grupos em todos os períodos estudados. CONCLUSÃO: este estudo não demonstrou redução da dor após hemorroidectomias como o uso do tratamento tópico. .

Randomized, double-blind trial comparing topical nitroglycerine with xylocaine and Proctosedyl in idiopathic chronic anal fissure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare symptomatic relief, healing, and changes in maximal anal resting pressure with the use of topical formulations in patients with chronic anal fissure. METHODS: Sixty-four consecutive patients with chronic anal fissure were randomized into 4 groups that received, in a double-blind manner, a topical ointment that contained 0.2% nitroglycerine (GTN), 5% xylocaine, Proctosedyl (hydrocortisone acetate, heparin, framycetin sulfate, esculoside, ethoform, butoform) or petroleum jelly (Vaseline), to be applied twice daily. Patients were reviewed at 2-week intervals for 6 weeks. Anal manometry was done before, and 20 minutes after, the first application of the ointment. RESULTS: There was significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in mean anal resting pressure after application of GTN, but not any other ointment. Of 16 patients receiving GTN, complete pain relief occurred in 6 and 15 patients after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, respectively; this was more frequent than in the other 3 groups. At 6 weeks also, complete pain relief occurred more often with GTN than with Vaseline or xylocaine. After 4 weeks of treatment, 3 patients on GTN had complete healing of fissure as compared to one each in the xylocaine and Proctosedyl groups and none in the Vaseline group. At 6 weeks, healing of fissure had occurred in 15 of 16 patients receiving GTN as compared to 4 receiving Vaseline, 11 receiving xylocaine, and 12 on Proctosedyl. CONCLUSIONS: Topical nitroglycerine produces 'chemical sphincterotomy' with reduction in mean anal resting pressure. Pain relief and healing of fissure occurred earlier with GTN than with other treatments. GTN should be considered as the treatment of choice for the non-surgical management of patients with chronic anal fissure.