Lymphogranuloma venereum in North America: case reports and an update for gastroenterologists

Jill Tinmouth1, Anita Rachlis, Trevor Wesson

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. jill.tinmouth@sw.ca

Abstract

Insights

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a Chlamydia trachomatis infection, is increasing in men who have sex with men. Early diagnosis is crucial as LGV mimics inflammatory bowel disease.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • An increase in lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) cases, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has been observed in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe and North America.
  • LGV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause proctitis.

Observation:

  • Three recent cases of LGV proctitis in Canada are reviewed.
  • All cases occurred in MSM; two patients were co-infected with HIV.
  • A diagnostic delay occurred in all three cases, with misdiagnosis as inflammatory bowel disease or non-LGV C. trachomatis.

Findings:

  • LGV proctitis presents with symptoms that can mimic inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Histological and endoscopic findings of LGV can be mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

Implications:

  • Gastroenterologists must be aware of LGV, especially in MSM populations, due to recent outbreaks.
  • Familiarity with LGV diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed care.
  • Increased vigilance can improve patient outcomes for this emerging public health concern.

Related Concept Videos

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...