title: Elephantiasis nostras.
abstract: Elephantiasis nostras is characterized by edema, skin fibrosis, and massive enlargement of a body part. Lymphatic obstruction, most commonly due to surgery, radiation, infection, or neoplasms, is important in its pathogenesis. The diagnosis of elephantiasis nostras can often be made based on the clinical findings, but examination of tissue may be helpful to rule out associated conditions, especially malignancies. Mainstays of therapy are elevation, use of pressure devices, and administration of antibiotics. Although medical and surgical treatments are limited in their value, pneumatic pumps are effective in refractory cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University, New Orleans.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rowley
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Rapini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004604:Elephantiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male