Penile gangrene: a complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism from chronic renal failure

We present the third case and first reported survivor of penile gangrene due to secondary hyperparathyroidism from chronic renal failure. The patient was treated with distal penectomy and subtotal parathyroidectomy. This case stimulated us to review the metabolic and vascular changes associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure. Secondary hyperparathyroidism may cause diffuse vasculitis and vascular calcification, which can lead to widespread ischemic necrosis and gangrene. Early medical therapy, including oral phosphate binders, is crucial to maintain the serum calcium-phosphate product below precipitation level. Subtotal parathyroidectomy is indicated for patients in whom progressive arterial and soft tissue calcification develops despite medical therapy.     

Penile gangrene in a patient with diabetic nephropathy on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

We report here a case of penile gangrene in a patient with diabetic nephropathy treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The patient demonstrated severe systemic arteriosclerosis. The main cause of the gangrene was considered to be circulatory insufficiency induced by severe arteriosclerosis. Several predisposing factors including chronic renal failure, long-term diabetes mellitus and CAPD-related metabolic changes such as abnormalities of lipid metabolism also appeared to have contributed to the arteriosclerotic changes. The prognosis in cases of this type is thought to be extremely poor.     

髂内动脉与移植肾动脉端端吻合对肾移植受者阴茎血流及勃起功能的影响

目的:对髂内动脉与移植肾动脉端端吻合是否影响阴茎血供及勃起功能是有争议的,通过检测移植前后阴茎动脉血流,前瞻性评估髂内动脉与移植肾动脉端端吻合对受者阴茎血供及勃起功能的影响。方法:33例维持性血液透析(MHD)患者,接受了活体肾移植,移植术中使用右侧髂内动脉与移植肾动脉端端吻合。在移植前和移植后6个月,接受了国际勃起功能指数为主的问卷调查,记录移植前后阴茎多普勒血流、血肌酐、血红蛋白、胆固醇水平及移植后免疫抑制治疗方案。结果:33例MHD患者,年龄21~55岁,血液透析期间,36%的患者存在勃起功能障碍,移植后33%的患者存在勃起功能障碍。主诉中67%患者移植后勃起功能没有改变,15%患者勃起功能变差,18%患者勃起功能改善,其中包括2例术前勃起功能障碍患者。移植前后勃起功能方面的评分分别为(24.6±5.1)和(24.2±6.2),两者无显著差异(P>0.05)。移植前后患者在射精功能、插入满意度和总体满意度方面没有显著差异;然而在性欲方面,移植后患者性欲评分明显高于尿毒症期(6.2±1.6vs8.9±0.9,P<0.01)。所有患者在尿毒症期阴茎海绵体药物注射后均获得充分勃起,超声多普勒结果表明不存在阴茎动脉供血不足;6例患者舒张期血流速度(EDV)及阻力指数(R I)异常。移植后收缩期血流峰值(PSV)明显低于移植前(左侧45.9±8.9vs41.3±8.0,P<0.01;右侧46.5±8.6vs41.5±8.1,P<0.01),但无1例患者出现阴茎动脉供血不足;8例受者EDV及R I异常。结论:单侧髂内动脉阻断显著降低阴茎动脉血流,但通过对侧髂内动脉的补偿不会因为阴茎血供不足而导致ED的发生;男性肾移植受者使用髂内动脉与移植肾动脉端端吻合,对阴茎勃起功能没有负面影响。     

HIV阳性患者阴茎阴囊Fournier's坏疽29例报告

目的:探讨HIV阳性Fournier's坏疽的临床特点并总结治疗体会。方法:回顾性分析了一组29例HIV阳性Fournier's坏疽患者特点和诊断治疗方法。结果:本组29例,均为HIV阳性男性患者,年龄21⁸1岁。CD4+T淋巴细胞计数均<320/mm3,所有病例均未接受抗逆转录病毒治疗(ART)。2例老年患者合并糖尿病。所有病例均以阴囊阴茎感染起病,进而发展为坏疽,并累及周围皮肤软组织。入院即行广泛清创,切开引流,并应用广谱抗生素治疗;4例需阴囊成形。26例痊愈,3例死亡(其中1例死于感染性休克,2例死于糖尿病并发肺部感染),死亡率10.3%。结论:早期广泛的外科清创引流和广谱抗生素应用仍然是处理HIV阳性Fournier's坏疽的关键;和之前的报道相比,未发现HIV阳性直接影响Fournier's坏疽的预后。     

Wet gangrene in hemodialysis patients with calciphylaxisis is associated with a poor prognosis

Calciphylaxis is a rare syndrome characterized by progressive vascular calcification and ischemic tissue loss in patients with chronic renal failure. We report our five-year experience with five patients who developed foot gangrene due to calciphylaxis. All five patients had characteristic clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings of the disorder, but no diagnostic variable was uniformly present. All five had progressed to advanced gangrene at the time of surgical consultation. Despite aggressive local attempts to control infection, all five patients died of septic complications. Parathyroidectomy was performed in three patients but did not alter the course in any case. This small experience suggests that the outcome of foot gangrene associated with calciphylaxis is predicated on the degree of tissue loss. Aggressive local wound care does not appear to be adequate to control infection in patients who have already developed gangrene. Although parathyroidectomy may have important long-term advantages in patients with calciphylaxis, it does not appear to affect outcome in these advanced cases.     

Penile calciphylaxis: analysis of risk factors and mortality

PURPOSE: Penile calciphylaxis is a rare condition resulting in infection and gangrene. Most cases are associated with systemic calciphylaxis. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of penile calciphylaxis as a distinct entity have received little attention. We reviewed the literature to increase understanding of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the literature was performed after treating a case of penile calciphylaxis. Patient characteristics, presentation, serum chemistry studies, management and outcomes are reported. RESULTS: A total of 34 cases of penile calciphylaxis were identified in the literature including our patient. Average patient age was 58 years. All patients had end stage renal disease, and diabetes mellitus was a co-morbidity in 76%. Additional areas of gangrene beyond the genitalia were found in two-thirds of patients. Average calcium phosphate product was 78.5 mg.2/dl.2 (range 20.6 to 52.5) and mean parathormone level was 553 pg./ml. (10 to 65). Parathyroidectomy was performed in 8 patients. All patients were treated with either local débridement/wound care or partial/total penectomy. Survival was better in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy (75%) than in those treated with local débridement or penectomy alone (28%). The overall mortality associated with this disease was 64% with a mean time to death of 2.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Penile calciphylaxis is a result of medial calcification and fibrosis of blood vessels. The co-morbidity and mortality associated with this disease are extremely high. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and an increased calcium phosphate are characteristic and require aggressive medical management. Surgical management of penile lesions and parathormone is controversial. Our review suggests that parathyroidectomy may improve survival and that survival is independent of the type of local treatment for the penile lesions.     

Fournier坏疽23例报告

目的:探讨Fournier坏疽的诊断治疗措施。方法:回顾性分析23例Fournier坏疽的诊断和治疗方法。23例患者外阴均红肿、疼痛,并迅速阴囊坏疽,并发不同程度的阴茎、肛周、会阴、腹股沟、下肢坏疽。23例患者分别采取早期清创术,切开引流,抗炎及高压氧治疗。Ⅱ期有11例行阴囊成形术,7例行阴茎阴囊植皮术,2例阴茎坏死者行阴茎切除术后尿道外口成形术。1例行膀胱造瘘术,1例行结肠造瘘术。结果:20例痊愈,3例死亡。结论:Fourn ier坏疽病情凶险,早期诊断、外科综合治疗是治愈的关键。     

Prognostic factors in Fournier gangrene

AIMS: Fournier gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis involving the genitalia. It can be treated with antibiotics and immediate debridement along with treatment of the predisposing condition. We evaluated the prognostic factors, clinical characteristics and treatment of patients of the Fournier gangrene. METHODS: The subjects were 40 male patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene who visited Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea between January 1991 and December 2000. Their medical records were reviewed with respect to demographics, medical history, symptoms and signs, physical examination, laboratory data, bacteriology, extent of disease, clinical course, and therapy. The extent of disease was quantified for each patient using a modification of the diagram used to assess the extent of burns. RESULTS: The average age was 55.3 years (range 29.6-92.8). Of the 40 patients, 11 died (36%) and 29 survived (64%). Anorectal infections were the underlying local disease most commonly associated with high mortality (75%). Although the most common associated illness was diabetes, it was not related to the prognosis (death rate: 20.0%). In contrast, the death rate was highest in chronic renal failure, reaching 50%. The mortality rate increased with the duration of symptoms before hospitalization. Patients with <6% surface area involvement were more likely to survive. On admission, serum blood urea nitrogen (s-BUN) and serum creatinine were significantly higher in the patients who died. CONCLUSION: Survival is associated significantly with anorectal infection, chronic renal failure, the duration of symptoms before hospitalization, the extent of gangrene, and s-BUN and creatinine level on admission.     

Complete gangrene of penis in patient with arterial vascular disease

We present a clinical case of distal penile gangrene in a patient with peripheral vaso-occlusive disease that did not correlate with the extension of the intraoperative finding and required total penectomy. Surgical intervention at the onset of wet gangrene avoids the complication of sepsis.     

Penile gangrene from calciphylaxis is salvageable with intravenous sodium thiosulfate and early total parathyroidectomy

Penile gangrene is a rare but fatal complication of calciphylaxis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To date, there are no guidelines on its management, and outcomes are generally poor with high mortality rate. We present a case of a diabetic patient with ESRD presenting with dry gangrene of the glans penis due to calciphylaxis and successfully treated with intravenous sodium thiosulfate (STS) and early total parathyroidectomy. We further analysed existing literatures on cases that utilized STS in the treatment of penile calciphylaxis.     

Meshed unexpanded split-thickness skin grafting for reconstruction of penile skin loss

PURPOSE: Sheets of unmeshed, split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) have been advocated in potent men with penile skin deficiency. Since the survival of sheet grafts is rarely 100% and the appearance of unexpanded 1:1 mesh grafts is quite good, we used this technique. We report our experience with meshed, unexpanded STSGs for all penile resurfacing regardless of erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive patients with penile skin loss were prospectively treated between March 2001 and January 2003 with meshed STSGs to the penis. The underlying condition was Fournier's gangrene in 4 cases, chronic lymphedema in 2, skin deficiency from prior surgeries in 2 and Crohn's disease in 1. Graft thickness was 0.012 or 0.016 inches and meshing was performed in a 1:1 ratio. Meshed slits were oriented transversely without expansion and the graft juncture was located on the ventral surface in zigzag fashion. Graft take, appearance, and sexual and voiding function were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: All 9 patients had 100% graft take. At a mean followup of 6 months a satisfactory cosmetic outcome was documented photographically in all except 1 case involving chronic penile manipulation. Erectile function and ejaculation were preserved in potent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpanded meshed STSGs of penile skin loss yielded satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.     

Upper extremity bypass grafting for limb salvage in end-stage renal failure

OBJECTIVE: Patients with end-stage renal failure and upper-extremity arterial occlusive disease sometimes have painful digital ulceration. We evaluated the efficacy of distal bypass grafting from the brachial artery for limb salvage in this setting. METHODS: All patients with end-stage renal disease with painful digital ulceration or gangrene of the hand seen from 1992 to 2002 were evaluated with clinical examination and noninvasive studies. Those with evidence of occlusive disease underwent conventional angiography. Individuals with forearm occlusive disease underwent bypass grafting, from the brachial artery to either the distal radial artery or ulnar artery at the level of the wrist or proximal hand. Follow-up was scheduled at regular intervals, and included duplex scanning. Limb salvage and bypass graft patency were determined with life table analysis. RESULTS: Over 10 years, 18 forearm bypass procedures were performed in 15 patients. The outflow artery was the radial artery in 15 procedures and the ulnar artery in 3 procedures. Bypass conduit was autogenous in all patients. No patient had a functioning arteriovenous fistula at bypass grafting; six limbs had previously occluded fistulas. Two bypass grafts (11%) occluded in the early postoperative period, with resultant progression of gangrene. In the remaining 16 grafts patency was maintained (mean follow-up, 18 months), with pain control and tissue healing. CONCLUSION: Treatment in patients with renal failure with upper extremity occlusive disease may be facilitated with brachiodistal bypass grafting. Pain control and reversal of progression of hand necrosis can be achieved.     

Renal sodium and water handling in hypothyroid patients: the role of renal insufficiency

The mechanism responsible for renal tubular abnormalities in sodium and water excretion in hypothyroid patients is poorly understood. To evaluate the possible contribution of the reduced glomerular filtration rate of hypothyroidism to these abnormalities, tubular function in hypothyroid patients was compared with that in patients with chronic renal failure and in normal subjects. The lithium clearance method and oral water loading were used to evaluate parameters of tubular sodium and water handling, respectively. The hypothyroid and the chronic renal failure patients were selected to have similar reductions in glomerular filtration rate. As compared to the normal subjects, the hypothyroid and chronic renal failure patients had a decrease in proximal sodium reabsorption and an increase in distal sodium reabsorption. The changes in tubular handling of sodium were not different in the hypothyroid and the chronic renal failure patients. Maximal urinary flow rate and free water clearances were similarly reduced in the hypothyroid patients and the chronic renal failure patients. For all subjects studied, proximal sodium reabsorption and maximal urinary volume were directly correlated with the glomerular filtration rate, and distal nephron sodium reabsorption was proportionate to delivery of sodium from the proximal tubule. The results suggest that the abnormalities in tubular sodium and water handling in hypothyroid patients are comparable to those present in other patients with a similar degree of renal insufficiency. Thus, the tubular abnormalities in hypothyroidism may be a consequence of the associated decrease in glomerular filtration rate.     

Severe necrotizing mastopathy caused by calciphylaxis alleviated by total parathyroidectomy

Calciphylaxis is a complication caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic renal failure. These patients may present with clinical findings of ischemic necrosis involving the skin and muscle resulting in subsequent gangrene and vascular calcifications. We report a rare case of necrotizing mastopathy caused by calciphylaxis in a 70-year-old female with end-stage renal disease whose symptoms resolved with a total parathyroidectomy.     

Relationship of hemodialysis access to finger gangrene in patients with end-stage renal disease

OBJECTIVE: We report a comprehensive review of our patients on hemodialysis with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with finger gangrene to determine etiology, natural history, and prognosis of this condition. METHODS: Patients with ESRD with finger gangrene were identified from our computerized vascular registry. Presence of an ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula was determined, and patients were compared with a group of patients with ESRD without finger gangrene. Management consisted of arteriography, selective arteriovenous fistula management, and finger amputation. A multivariate analysis to determine risk factors associated with finger gangrene was performed. Repeat finger amputation and survival rates were determined with life-table analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (mean age at start of dialysis, 53 years) with finger gangrene were identified, with 48% (n = 11) having a functional ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula. Arteriography was consistent with diffuse atherosclerosis involving the radial, ulnar, palmar, and digital arteries precluding attempts at distal arterial bypass. Repeat finger amputations were necessitated in 52% of patients (n = 12), and bilateral finger gangrene developed in 61% of patients (n = 14). Starting dialysis at age less than 55 years (P =.0004), diabetes (P =.001), coronary artery disease (P =.0212), and lower extremity arterial occlusive disease (P <.0001) were significantly associated with finger gangrene. CONCLUSION: The young diabetic patient with diffuse vascular disease and ESRD is at high risk for the development of finger gangrene on chronic hemodialysis. Finger gangrene is the result of distal atherosclerosis and is not primarily related to dialysis access.     

Fournier's gangrene: a complication of penile prosthetic implantation in a renal transplant patient

The management of erectile impotence in renal transplant patients remains problematical. The enhanced risk of surgical infection in this immunosuppressed patient population must be addressed if prosthetic implantation is contemplated. A case of Fournier's gangrene (synergistic necrotizing gangrene of the genitalia) following implantation of a Small-Carrion penile prosthesis is reported. This potentially life-threatening infection demonstrates graphically the surgical infection risk of this population and suggests extreme caution before proceeding with a prosthetic operation in this unique subset of impotent patients.     

Acquired cystic disease of the kidneys and renal cell carcinoma in chronic renal insufficiency without dialysis treatment

We report 3 cases of acquired cystic disease of the kidneys with associated renal carcinoma in 2 of the cases. In all 3 cases, the patients had chronic renal insufficiency due to hypertension but had never required dialysis. Review of 176 reported cases of acquired cystic disease of the kidneys and renal tumors disclosed that 18 patients (including 1 previously reported by us) had never received dialysis treatment. These cases support the hypothesis that acquired cystic disease of the kidney is not restricted to patients treated with maintenance dialysis. Among the 18 patients, hypertension was the most common underlying cause of renal failure. Patients with chronic renal failure due to or associated with severe hypertension should be monitored carefully for the development of both renal cysts and tumors even though they have not started on chronic dialysis.     

Limb-salvage angioplasty in vascular surgery practice

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes of percutaneous infrainguinal arterial angioplasty for treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI) in poor surgical candidates. METHODS: A retrospective clinical analysis of 67 consecutively treated patients (76 limbs) with CLI over a 33-month period was performed. Patients were considered poor surgical candidates because of absent distal target vessels (31 limbs), severe comorbid conditions (36 limbs), or lack of an autologous vein for distal bypass (9 limbs). Limb salvage was defined as preservation of a functional foot without the need for a prosthesis. Technical success was defined as the ability to percutaneously recanalize the arterial segment with less than 30% residual stenosis. Clinical success was healing of ulcers or minor amputation sites, resolving rest pain, or avoiding a major amputation. Successful technical and clinical outcomes were correlated with patient demographics, clinical presentation, and TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus arterial lesion characteristics by using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Seventy-six limbs were treated for rest pain (n = 12), gangrene (n = 22), or nonhealing ulcers (n = 42). There were 40 men and 27 women. The mean age was 70 years (range, 36-94 years). Lesions were located in tibial (n = 55), popliteal (n = 6), and superficial femoral (n = 15) arteries. Arterial recanalization and limb salvage was achieved in 64 (83.5%) limbs. Technical failure (n = 12) correlated with TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions ( P = .009) and the presence of occlusion ( P = .027). Clinical failure (major amputation, n = 12) correlated with the presence of gangrene ( P = .032) or the combination of diabetes, arterial occlusion, and gangrene ( P = .018). The single variables of age, sex, diabetes, and renal failure did not adversely affect outcomes. There was one mortality (myocardial infarction), and there were two major morbidities (femoral artery pseudoaneurysm and sepsis). CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral arterial angioplasty should be considered as an alternative to primary amputation in selected patients with CLI who are poor candidates for traditional surgical bypass.     

Vascular calcification presenting as necrosis of penis in patient with chronic renal failure

An unusual presentation of metastatic calcification as gangrene of the penis is reported in a patient with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis. Calcification of the vessels of the penis was documented radiographically and pathologically. Recognition of the possible occurrence of this complication becomes of great importance in younger patients on dialysis or with kidney transplants.