Elephantiasis in the Netherlands, a rare finding and a reason to perform an autopsy

Introduction: Elephantiasis is endemic around the equator. In Western countries the phenomenon is extremely rare. Case description: A Dutch 41-year-old severely obese male was found dead in his home. During the external examination, an extensive skin infection was seen on both lower legs. The man was treated for erysipelas two years prior and did not visit the general practitioner again. Clinical autopsy showed there was a serious stasis dermatitis of both lower legs with a superimposed erysipelas which led to a sepsis and multiple organ failure. The erysipelas presented itself as elephantiasi... Mehr ...