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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Infantile perineal protrusion
Amor Khachemoune1, Kjetil Kristoffer Guldbakke, Eric Ehrsam
1Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA. amorkh@pol.net
Insights
Infantile perineal protrusion is an underreported condition in children. Early recognition by pediatricians and dermatologists is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure proper management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infantile perineal protrusion is a recently identified condition affecting prepubertal children.
- It is underreported in dermatologic and pediatric literature, leading to potential diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- The condition presents with specific anatomical location, morphology, and prevalence in children.
- It can occur constitutionally (genetic/familial), functionally (due to constipation/diarrhea), or alongside lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.
Findings:
- This review elucidates the mechanisms, diagnosis, classification, and management of infantile perineal protrusion.
- Two new cases are presented to further clarify this condition.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent misidentification as condyloma acuminata or signs of trauma.
- Correct identification avoids unnecessary investigations, such as those for sexual abuse, and ensures appropriate patient care.
Abstract:
Infantile perineal protrusion, a relatively newly recognized condition, is underreported in both the dermatologic and pediatric literature. The name "infantile perineal protrusion" has evolved based on the typical anatomic location, morphologic features, and prevalence in prepubertal children. It occurs in 3 settings: constitutional (sometimes genetic or familial); functional (after constipation, diarrhea, or other irritant exposure); or associated with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Recognition of infantile perineal protrusion by dermatologists and pediatricians has many implications regarding proper diagnosis and management. The condition may be mistaken for condyloma acuminata or as a sign of trauma, leading to an erroneous investigation of sexual abuse. In this article, we report two new cases and make a thorough review of the literature to elucidate the mechanisms, diagnosis, classification, and management to clarify this often misdiagnosed condition.
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