An integrative therapeutic approach to elephantiasis nostras verrucosa: A case report

Nwabudike,Lawrence Chukwudi; Buzia,Olimpia; Elisei,Alina Mihaela; Tatu,Alin Laurentiu

doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11218

April-2022 Volume 23 Issue 4

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April-2022 Volume 23 Issue 4

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Case Report Open Access

An integrative therapeutic approach to elephantiasis nostras verrucosa: A case report

Authors:
- Lawrence Chukwudi Nwabudike
- Olimpia Buzia
- Alina Mihaela Elisei
- Alin Laurentiu Tatu
View Affiliations / Copyright

Affiliations: Outpatient Dermatology Department, ‘Dr. N.C. Paulescu’ National Institute of Metabolic Disease, Nutrition and Diabetes, 020475 Bucharest, Romania, Multidisciplinary Integrated Center of Dermatological Interface Research (MIC-DIR), 800010 Galati, Romania, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‘Dunărea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania

Copyright: © Nwabudike et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
Article Number: 289
|
Published online on: February 16, 2022

https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11218
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Abstract

Elephantiasis nostras is a chronic disorder that is difficult to treat. It is characterized by marked lymphedema, associated with hyperkeratosis, ulceration, deep skin folds and a cobblestone appearance of the skin. Causes include parasitic and bacterial infections, neoplasia and obesity, but numerous cases have uncertain aetiology. Treatment includes surgery and medication, which are associated with variable results. In the present study, a 72‑year old female with renal insufficiency presented with leg enlargement of 3‑4 years duration, which rendered her housebound. Examination showed massive lower limb enlargement, with typical cobblestone appearance. She was on furoseminde 80 mg/day. A diagnosis of elephantiasis nostras was made. Then, she was treated with increased furosemide from 80 to 120 mg daily and homeopathic Apocynum cannabinum, CH30 potency, t.d.s. Unavailability of corresponding fit excluded the use of compressive stockings. The patient remitted over 18 months, with limb diameters dropping from 68/46 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 67/43 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) to 64/43 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 64.5/45 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) at 6 months, 63/42 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 65/41 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) at 12 months, and 46/35 cm (right mid‑calf/ankle) and 48/36 cm (left mid‑calf/ankle) at 18 months, with improvement of skin appearance. Elephantiasis nostras is not spontaneously remitting. In this resource‑limited setting, furosemide combined with homeopathic Apocynum cannabinum has proved valuable and may be used for similar cases.

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Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Oncology

Molecular Medicine Reports

Oncology Reports

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Oncology Letters

Biomedical Reports

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

World Academy of Sciences Journal

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Epigenetics

Medicine International

An integrative therapeutic approach to elephantiasis nostras verrucosa: A case report

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