Respiratory Pathogen Evaluation for Lipschütz Ulcer

Abstract

Ulcus vulvae acutum or Lipschütz ulcer (LU), is a rare but distinct clinical condition in non-sexually active girls, characterized by the onset of painful deep necrotic genital ulcers, often presenting as kissing ulcers, following a short febrile prodrome or respiratory symptoms. There is high anxiety and confusion for patients and families as the diagnosis of HSV is often presumptively made. This case series illustrates the overlooked association between respiratory pathogens and LU, and what this implies for evaluation of patients presenting with suspected LU in the pediatric and adolescent population.