Isolated Giant Scrotal Lymphoedema From Filariasis in a Nigerian Male: A Case Report

Abstract

Isolated lymphoedema of the scrotum is rare. In sub-Saharan Africa, the infective cause is commonly due to lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease commonly caused by Wuchereria bancrofti. The swelling of the affected skin and soft tissues results from impaired lymphatic drainage of the affected area due to the chronic inflammatory response to the dead and dying filaria worms in the lymphatic vessels. We describe the case of a 38-year-old man who presented with isolated scrotal lymphoedema secondary to W. bancrofti infection. The patient, in addition to cyclical anti-filarial medical treatment, had successful surgical resection of redundant and fibrous scrotal tissue resulting in overall improvement in his quality of life.