Lymphogranuloma venereum – report of cases, review and presentation of European diagnostic and treatment guidelines

Introduction
Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis L1-3. There has been an increase in the incidence of lymphogranuloma venereum among homosexual men who have sex with men (MSM) in recent years.

Objective
To present two cases of lymphogranuloma venereum patients with different clinical manifestations, and to review the literature.

Case report
A 26-year-old patient was admitted to the Department of Dermatology because of erythematous changes in the groin and lower abdomen The patient was diagnosed with lymphogranuloma venereum. Due to the lack of clinical improvement during the treatment with doxycycline, the treatment was modified to include rifampicin, resulting in the resolution of lesions. A 24-year-old MSM patient was admitted to the Department of Dermatology for the treatment of syphilis and HIV infection detected in the gastroenterological department and diagnosed because of intestinal ailments. Due to pelvic lymphadenopathy, an examination for C. trachomatis was performed to confirm infection. Treatment with doxycycline was initiated, resulting in relief of intestinal ailments.

Conclusions
Due to the rarity and diverse morphology of lesions, LGV is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.