Infantile perianal protrusion: 13 new cases

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Gynecology

Background:

• Infantile perianal protrusion is a rare condition affecting young girls.
• Associated conditions like constipation and anal fissures are common.
• Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS&A) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and associations of infantile perianal protrusion in a cohort of young girls.
• To investigate the potential link between infantile perianal protrusion and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS&A).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 13 girls diagnosed with infantile perianal protrusion.
• Clinical data including medical history, physical examination findings, and follow-up were reviewed.
• Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens was performed in select cases.

Main Results:

• Thirteen girls aged 4 months to 5 years were identified.
• Protrusions were located anteriorly (n=8) or posteriorly (n=3) to the anus.
• Constipation (n=6) and anal fissures (n=3) were noted comorbidities.
• One patient with recurrent anogenital erythema showed LS&A on biopsy.
• Two additional patients presented with clinical signs of genital LS&A.
• No spontaneous reduction of infantile perianal protrusion was observed during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Infantile perianal protrusion may be associated with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS&A) in girls.
• Further investigation is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and management of this association.
• Persistent infantile perianal protrusion necessitates thorough evaluation for underlying conditions like LS&A.