Koro syndrome associated with alcohol-induced systemic disease in a Zulu

A case report is presented of the genital retraction syndrome, koro, associated with alcoholic hepatitis, avitaminosis and urinary tract infection, occurring in a Zulu male. Treatment of the physical conditions resulted in resolution of the koro symptomatology. The nosological status of koro is discussed and it is proposed that the condition be regarded as a symptom-complex reaction to a variety of psychological or physical stressors rather than as a purely culture-bound syndrome.