Aseptic Cavernosal Abscess: An Unrecognized Feature of Neutrophilic Dermatosis

Intern Med. 2022 Mar 15;61(6):917-921. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7994-21. Epub 2021 Sep 4.

Abstract

A 50-year-old man developed a sterile cavernosal abscess followed by prominent features of necrotizing neutrophilic dermatosis. We conducted a literature review, which revealed that aseptic abscesses in the corpus cavernosum occur in association with neutrophilic dermatosis. Patients with this condition frequently receive unnecessary antibiotic treatment and surgical interventions. Although this condition responds to systemic corticosteroids, the functional prognosis of the penis is poor. Abscess formation may be the initial presentation of neutrophilic dermatoses, and underlying conditions may even be absent. Clinicians need to be aware of this condition to distinguish it from bacterial infection and initiate early disease-specific treatments.

Keywords: aseptic abscess; corpus cavernosum; corticosteroids; neutrophilic dermatosis; pyoderma gangrenosum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications
  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum* / complications
  • Skin Diseases* / complications