2013.2-27.Eponymsgenital

Bartholin cyst [5]

It occurs as a result of blockage to the Bartholin gland which was first described in 1677 by Danish anatomist Caspar Secundus Bartholin (1655–1738).

Buschke-Loewenstein Tumor [6]

This is another name for giant condyloma accuminata of genital skin. It is named after dermatologists from Germany, Abraham Buschke (1868-1943), (Fig. 4) and Ludwig Loewenstein (1895-1959).

Figure 4. Abraham Buschke (1868-1943). Reproduced from reference number 6 . The original caption reads: “Photo of Prof. Buschke taken in 1907.” From Curth W, Ollendorff-Curth H: Remembering Abraham Buschke (1860-1943). Am J Dermatopathol. 1983:5; Figure 1, page 28.

 

Fournier’s gangrene [7]

Fulminating infection of the scrotum leading to gangrene and commonly associated with diabetes. It is a type of necrotizing infection or gangrene usually affecting the perineum.

It was first described by Baurienne in 1764 and is named after, Jean Alfred Fournier (1832-1914), French dermatologist (Fig. 5).

Figure 5. Jean Alfred Fournier (1832-1914). A courtesy of National library of Medicine.

 

Klingsor Syndrome [8]

This syndrome denotes to self-mutilation of the external genitals in psychiatric patients. It was applied only to acts of genital self-mutation, involving religious delusions. However, it was suggested that the syndromeshould also include cases which involve genital self. Mutilation associated with all delusional syndromes. The name “Klingsor” was based on a fictitious characterin Wagner’s opera where Klingsor was a magician who Castrated himself in an unsuccessful attempt to gain acceptance from the Knights of the Grail.

Lipschütz’ ulcer [9,10]

Lipschütz acute genital ulcer is a rare distinctive cause of nonvenereal acute genital ulcers that occurs particularly in adolescents described in 1913. The etiology is unknown, although recent reports have associated it with the Epstein-Barr virus. The diagnosis is made by exclusion after ruling out sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune causes, trauma, and other etiologies of genital ulcerations.

It is named after Benjamin Lipschütz (1878-1931) Austrian dermatologist and microbiologist.

Mondor’s disease [11,12]

Superficial thoracic wall and dorsal vein of the penis phlebitis are uncommon diseases. Both are known as Mondor’s disease. It is named after Henri Mondor (1885-1962), (Fig. 6), a surgeon in Paris, France who first described the disease in 1939.

Figure 6. Henri Mondor (1885-1962).

 

Paget disease (extramammary) [13,14]

Vulvar Paget‚ disease is the most common site of extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD). The disease frequently associated with the underlying invasive skin adnexal carcinoma or representing the migration of underlying internal malignancy, especially anorectal and genitourinary cancer. It is named after an English surgeon and pathologist, Sir James Paget, 1st Baronet (1814-1899), (Fig. 7).

Figure 7. Sir James Paget, 1st Baronet (1814 – 1899). A courtesy of National library of Medicine.

 

Priapism [15]

It is a potentially painful medical condition, in which the erect penis or clitoris does

not return to its flaccid state, despite the absence of both physical and psychological stimulation, within four hours.

The name comes from the Greek god Priapus, a fertility god often represented with a disproportionately large and permanent erection.

The acronym, ASPEN syndrome, was proposed for the association of sickle cell disease, priapism, exchange transfusion and neurological events.

Prince Albert’s piercing [16,17]

Prince Albert penile piercing is a metallic bead, which is anchored to the urethral opening. Most of the body piercing is individually named, but the renowned piercer Jim Ward, who developed the magazine Piercing Fans International Quarterly in the late 1970s, accepted that most of the names were contrived. One of the most renowned piercings of the male genitals is the Prince Albert (1819–1861), (Fig. 8). However, the idea that Prince Albert wore a penis ring to tie his member down and prevent an offensive bulge in the breeches is a modern myth.

Concerns over the possibility of hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission from body piercing are probably well founded. As with any surgical procedure that involves piercing the skin, the possibility of bleeding and infection must be considered. Other documented complications include urethral stricture, priapism, paraphimosis, and recurrent condyloma acuminatum. Due consideration should also be given to possible complications to the partner of the individual who has been genitally pierced. A review of some of the piercing Web sites reveals anecdotal complications in the form of trauma to the vagina or anus, teeth chipping, and choking.

Figure 8. Prince Albert (1819–1861).

 

Peyronie’s disease [18]

Also known as „Induratio penis plastica”, or more recently Chronic Inflammation of the Tunica Albuginea (CITA), is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis. It causes erectile dysfunction. It is named after François Gigot de La Peyronie (1678-1747), (Fig. 9) the first surgeon to Louis XV.

Figure 9. François Gigot de La Peyronie (1678-1747). A courtesy of National library of Medicine.

Zoon balanitis [19,20]

This is another name for Plasma cell balanitis, which is a benign asymptomatic but chronic and erosive inflammatory condition of the glans penis and prepuce that generally affects uncircumcised men in later years. Clinical presentation involves a single, shiny, well defined reddish patch. It is named after J.J.Zoon (1902-1952), (Fig. 10).

Figure 10. J.J.Zoon (1902-1952). Reproduced from reference number 20.