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Giant condyloma with demise secondary to meningococcemia in an infant boy

Ronak A Gor1, Justine M Schober

  • 1Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Urology
|July 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause condyloma acuminata in infants, a rare condition. This case highlights a fatal outcome, emphasizing the need for immunologic evaluation in infants with refractory condyloma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection in adults, but rare in infants.
  • Condyloma acuminata, caused by HPV, typically presents as a mild cutaneous lesion manageable with medical or surgical interventions.
  • Infantile condyloma acuminata is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.

Observation:

  • A 7-month-old infant presented with a rapidly progressing giant penile condyloma acuminatum, the youngest documented case.
  • The condyloma was refractory to standard medical and surgical treatments.
  • Following treatment, the infant developed a progressive systemic rash, fever, and tachycardia, leading to death from meningococcemia.

Findings:

  • This case represents an extremely rare presentation of rapidly progressing infantile condyloma acuminata followed by a fatal course of Neisseria meningitis.
  • The patient's apparent health prior to condyloma and refractory nature of the lesions suggest a possible underlying immunologic etiology.
  • The rapid progression and fatal outcome underscore the potential severity of condyloma in infants.

Implications:

  • This case serves as a critical warning regarding the potential course of condyloma acuminata in infants.
  • Immunologic investigation is crucial for young patients with condyloma refractory to standard treatments.
  • Further research into the immunologic factors influencing infantile condyloma and associated infections is warranted.

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