Penile Disease Research Articles

Effect of HCG on epidermal growth factor and its receptor in foreskin tissues of prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Objective To investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on the contents of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and expression of its receptor (EGFR) in foreskin tissues of prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.Methods Ten patients were treated with HCG,and 10 normal prepubertal children served as control group.Their penis sizes were measured before and at the 3rd month after treatment of HCG.The contents of EGF in foreskin tissues were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The expression of EGFR in foreskin tissues was detected by using immunohistochemistry.Results Penis mean length of all patients was (2.44 ±0.24) cm,shorted than that of the control group (4.29 ±0.26) cm (P＜0.01).Mean contents of EGF in foreskin tissues of all patients was ( 43.788 ± 15.375 ) ng/L,lower than those of the control group (87.106 ± 14.483) ng/L (P ＜0.01 ).There was no significant difference in mean AD of EGFR in foreskin tissues between patients and controls (0.224 ± 0.047 vs 0.264 ± 0.046,P ＞ 0.05 ).Mean penis length of all patients was (2.44±0.24) cm,shorter than that after treatment with HCG (3.97 ±0.27)cm ( P ＜0.01 ).Mean contents of EGF in foreskin tissues of all patients was (43.788 ± 15.375 ) ng/L,lower than that after treatment with HCG (75.694 ± 16.014) ng/L (P ＜0.01 ).There was no significant difference in the mean AD of EGFR in foreskin tissues of all patients before and after treatment with HCG (0.224±0.047 vs 0.242 ±0.054,P＞0.05).Conclusion Contents of EGF in the penile tissue of micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are lower than those of normal prepubertal children.The HCG can increase the content of EGF in the penile tissue of prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Key words: Penile disease; Epidermal growth factor; Receptor

UP-1.167: Use of Doppler Ultrasound as a Novel, Non-Invasive Investigation for Grading of the Severity of Penile Urethral Stricture Disease

UP-1.167: Use of Doppler Ultrasound as a Novel, Non-Invasive Investigation for Grading of the Severity of Penile Urethral Stricture Disease

Testosterone and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors: new strategy for preventing endothelial damage in internal and sexual medicine?

Normal vascular endothelium is essential for the synthesis and release of substances affecting vascular tone (e.g. nitric oxide; NO), cell adhesion (e.g. endothelins, interleukins), and the homeostasis of clotting and fibrinolysis (e.g. plasminogen inhibitors, von Willebrand factor). The degeneration of endothelial integrity promotes adverse events (AEs) leading to increased atherogenesis and to the development of vascular systemic and penile end-organ disease. Testosterone (T) is an important player in the regulation of vascular tone through non-genomic actions exerted via blockade of extracellular-calcium entry or activation of potassium channels; also, adequate T concentrations are paramount for the regulation of phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) expression and finally, for the actions exerted by hydrogen sulphide, a gas involved in the alternative pathway controlling vasodilator responses in penile tissue. It is known that an age-related decline of serum T is reported in approximately 20 to 30% of men whereas T deficiency is reported in up to 50% of men with metabolic syndrome or diabetes. A number of laboratory and human studies have shown the combination of T and other treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), such as PDE5 inhibitors, to be more beneficial in patients with ED and hypogonadism, who fail monotherapy for sexual disturbances.The aim of this review is to show evidence on the role of T and PDE5 inhibitors, alone or in combination, as potential boosters of endothelial function in internal medicine diseases associated with reduced T or NO bioavailability, i.e. metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, hyperhomocysteinemia, that share common risk factors with ED. Furthermore, the possibility of such a strategy to prevent endothelial dysfunction in men at increased cardiovascular risk is discussed.

Metástasis peneana como primera manifestación de un carcinoma esofágico

We present a new case of penile metastatic disease. The original tumour has been situated in the esophagus, which is a rare clinical situation. But what becomes exceptional in our clinical case is that the penile metastasis was the first disease symptom, since until this moment the original tumour has been silent. Like the majority of these cases the prognosis was gloomy and the patient died in few months after the clinical beginning of the disease.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease by the early identification of erectile dysfunction

Both erectile dysfunction (ED) and vascular disease share the same risk factors and the two conditions often coexist, with endothelial dysfunction being the common underlying pathophysiology. Up to two-thirds of all patients with clinically evident coronary artery disease (CAD) have ED. Because of their smaller size, the same degree of lipid plaque burden has a greater effect on the penile arteries compared with the coronary arteries. As a result, the clinical consequences of penile vascular disease (ED) frequently manifest 2-3 years before the consequences of coronary atherosclerosis. This phenomenon has led to the widespread view that ED is a silent marker of vascular disease, particularly CAD, in otherwise asymptomatic men. The Second Princeton Consensus Guidelines reflect this by stating that a man with ED and no cardiac symptoms should be considered a cardiac (or vascular) patient until proven otherwise. For most men with no cardiac symptoms, we therefore have 2-3 years from ED onset to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event. This article discusses the rationale for the link between ED and CAD, with reference to endothelial dysfunction, and the role of ED as an important means of identifying men at risk of vascular disease.

Circumcision among adolescent boys in rural northwestern Tanzania

Male circumcision reduces risk of HIV among heterosexual men by about 60%. Modelling the impact of circumcision on HIV transmission, and planning service expansion, relies on self-reported circumcision status. We investigated the validity of self-reported status. Survey and in-depth interview (IDI) data from adolescents enrolled in a community randomized sexual health intervention trial in rural Mwanza, Tanzania were analysed. The 5354 male school attenders (median age 15.5 years) were recruited in 1998 and followed for 3 years. At baseline, circumcision prevalence was 13.7% by self-report and 11.8% by clinical examination, rising to 17.3% by clinical examination at final survey. Only 61.5% of Muslim males were circumcised at the final survey. Of 506 participants who reported being circumcised at baseline, only 78.9% reported this at interim. Similarly, only 84.2% of participants clinically assessed as circumcised at baseline were also assessed as circumcised at interim. At both baseline and interim surveys, about 80% of participants who reported being circumcised were also found to be so at clinical examination. There was a high tolerance and respect for circumcision among male IDI respondents, with widespread belief that it was beneficial for penile hygiene and disease prevention. The majority of female IDI respondents said that they did not know what male circumcision was. Attitudes to male circumcision were positive in this population despite its low prevalence. There were substantial inconsistencies in both self-reported and clinically assessed circumcision status. Methods are needed to improve self-report and training of clinicians in this setting.

T09-P-03 Is endothelial apoptotic cell increment the major player in diabetic ED? An anatomoclinical study

Objective Our previous studies with animal models suggested that loss of erectile tissue cell integrity may be a relevant mechanism involved in erectile dysfunction (ED). To evaluate this hypothesis, we characterized vascular and smooth muscle cell (SMC) structure and viability in human cavernosal fragments of normal potent and diabetic impotent individuals. We further compared these results to patient age, arterial risk factors, Penile Nitric Oxide release test (PNORT) response to intracavernous injections (ICI) of vaso-active medications. Design and Methods 13 erectile tissue samples were harvested from diabetic impotent patients and 5 normal non-diabetic potent controls. Evaluation of vascular and SMCs was performed by immunohistochemistry for von Willebrand Factor and ???-smooth muscle actin. Tissue integrity was assessed by TUNEL assay and an index of apoptotic cell density (ACD) defined (number of apoptotic cells/tissue area (mm 2 )). These results were compared to patient clinical data as aforementioned. Results Results showed that normal controls had a low ACD (7,15/mm 2 ), compared to diabetics, which presented a higher ACD (23,82/mm 2 ). Apoptotic cells in diabetics were located mainly in the cavernous endothelium and perivascular areas. Higher ACD correlated with low PNORT and ICI responses and with severe penile arterial disease. Increased age and number of arterial risk factors may play a role in decreasing endothelial function. Conclusions Apoptotic cells are increased in diabetic vascular and perivascular cavernosal tissue, demonstrating that apoptosis is one of the main mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction in diabetic-ED. PNORT appears to be a promising non invasive test to evaluate penile endothelial functioning.

Diagnosis and therapy of organic impotence

A stepwise diagnosis using objective and reproducible methods of examination makes it possible to distinguish between psychogenic and organic causes of impotence. Among 104 men who had organic disorders of erection half were due to local penile disease, the remainder to vascular disease (diabetic angiopathy, arteriosclerosis, abnormal venous drainage). Cavernosal through-flow measurements revealed differences among the various groups of disorders with regard to the flow rates required for achieving and maintaining an artificial erection and made it possible, in conjunction with other tests (Doppler perfusion measurements and papaverine response), to arrive at a precise diagnosis and plan for surgical intervention. Of 91 men who had been operated upon 79 had good results (87%). Largely noninvasive diagnostic measures thus achieved effective treatment and thus contributed to an improved feeling of self-esteem.

Expression and Distribution of Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase-1 Isoforms in Human Penile Erectile Tissue

Besides the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), downstream guanine monophosphate (cGMP) effector proteins are also considered to play a significant role in penile vascular disease. In animal studies, a downregulation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase-1 (cGKI) alpha isoform has been linked to erectile dysfunction and diabetes mellitus. So far, the expression of cGKI alpha and beta isoforms has not been evaluated in human penile erectile tissue. To evaluate the expression of cGKI alpha and beta isoforms in relation to smooth muscle alpha-actin, cGMP, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in human cavernous arteries (HCAs) and human corpus cavernosum (HCC). Cryostat sections of HCA and HCC were incubated with primary antibodies directed against alpha-actin, cGMP, eNOS, cGKI, cGKI alpha, and cGKI beta. Visualization of double-labeled immunofluorescent stainings was achieved by laser microscopy. Western blot analysis was performed in order to confirm the expression of cGKI isoforms. Expression of cGKI alpha and beta isoforms in relation to smooth muscle alpha-actin, cGMP, and eNOS in human penile erectile tissue. Immunoreactivities specific for cGKI, cGKI alpha, and cGKI beta were observed within the smooth musculature and the endothelium of cavernous arteries and sinusoids. Double stainings revealed the colocalization of alpha-actin, cGMP, eNOS, and cGKI isoforms. The expression of cGKI isoforms was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the expression of both cGKI alpha and beta isoforms in the smooth musculature of HCA and HCC. Corresponding to recent findings from animal studies, the presence of cGKI alpha and beta provides further evidence for a significant role of these enzymes in the control of smooth muscle function in human penile erectile tissue.

Cutaneous penile and perianal Crohn's disease treated with a combination of medical and surgical interventions

A 73-year-old man presented with fistulizing cutaneous Crohn's disease of the penis and perianal area without involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease failed to respond to topical clobetasol propionate and oral cyclosporin and methotrexate. A combination treatment of minocycline, thalidomide and prednisolone brought the disease under control and induced remission. Surgery with excision and skin grafting were required to produce cure.

Is the association between balanitis xerotica obliterans and penile carcinoma underestimated?

To determine the incidence of balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) in a consecutive series of penile carcinomas in one centre, as BXO is a common penile disease that usually involves the prepuce and glans, and there have been sporadic case reports of the association between BXO and penile carcinoma, although it is uncertain if there is a specific causal relationship. The reported incidence of penile carcinoma in patients with BXO is 2.6-5.8%, leading some to advocate circumcision in all cases, with close follow-up in those with persistent glanular disease. We prospectively analysed all cases of penile cancer referred to the unit over a 54-month period, to determine the prevalence of BXO. In all, 155 patients with penile malignancy were reviewed, 44 of whom had BXO (28%). This group included 34 men with squamous cell carcinoma and 10 with carcinoma in situ; in 39, BXO and malignancy presented synchronously. In three other cases, cancer occurred in the background of chronic persistent BXO; in two cases penile cancer was truly metachronous. The tumours with associated BXO tended to be of lower stage and grade, and the patients presented when younger, but this was not statistically significant. A significant proportion of patients with penile malignancy have a histological diagnosis of BXO. We think that patients presenting with long-standing BXO and those in whom BXO has not resolved after circumcision warrant biopsies and a careful follow-up.

A comparison between portable ultrasound (MIDUS) and nocturnal RigiScan when confirming the diagnosis of vascular organic erectile disorder

In recent years, the use of RigiScan and ultrasound to assess erectile dysfunction has fallen from favour. However, in a small minority of specialist cases, where a vascular, neurogenic or psychogenic aetiology requires confirmation, there remains a need for further investigation. To establish if in a preliminary assessment the use of nocturnal RigiScan or male impotence diagnostic ultrasound system (MIDUS) represents best practice as a diagnostic investigation in patients with a history suggestive of vascular organic erectile disorder. Men attending both urological and psychosexual therapy clinics with erectile dysfunction were assessed using a generic assessment schedule. Patients with a history suggestive of vascular erectile disorder were offered the opportunity of dual investigation of their condition. After screening using a provocative RigiScan using visual stimuli that gleaned inconclusive results, patients were offered the chance to enter a study with both nocturnal RigiScan and MIDUS investigation. These were confined for the purposes of this study to RigiScan events, peak systolic flow velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic flow velocity (EDV) from ultrasound examination where an abnormal EDV is defined as in excess of 4.5 cm/s and a normal PSV is variously defined as being greater than 35 cm/s. In all, 38/43 (88%, 95% CI: 76-95%) of men had a nocturnal event exceeding 3 min on the RigiScan investigation. This compares with 17/43 (40%, 95% CI: 26-54%) of men with a normal EDV blood flow of less than 4.5 cm/s (P<0.017) and 32/43 (74%, CI: 60-85%) of men with a normal PSV flow greater than 35 cm/s (NS). Rigiscan and ultrasonography of the cavernosal vessels are of equal usefulness in suspected arterial penile disease although where veno-occlusive disease is suspected, ultrasonography is more specific.

Secondary carcinomatous infiltration of the penis: palliation with radiotherapy

Secondary carcinomatous involvement of the penis is surprisingly uncommon considering its proximity to the site of many common primary malignancies. Management of this unpleasant condition is difficult and should be primarily aimed at palliative relief of symptoms. Four cases are presented, two with primary prostatic adenocarcinoma, one rectal carcinoma and one carcinoma of the caecum. Three of these patients, on developing penile involvement, were subjected to a single course of radiotherapy. This resulted in marked relief of pain and reduction in tumour bulk allowing an improvement in micturition, where obstructive symptoms were present. Due to the small number of cases available treatment cannot be prospectively evaluated. A logical palliative treatment for metastatic penile disease is suggested.

A retrospective review of 307 men with Peyronie's disease.

We discuss the clinical appearance and natural outcome of Peyronie's disease. During an 8-year period 307 men with Peyronie's disease were evaluated, and clinical characteristics, risk (factors), penile deformities, erectile status and outcome were analyzed. Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation was 52.8 +/- 9.3 years (range 23 to 76). Penile deformity, pain on erection and palpable nodule were the most common (85%) presenting symptoms, usually in different combinations. The remaining 15% of men (mean age 59.4 +/- 6.5 years) were not aware of the penile deformity and were diagnosed during standard evaluation for erectile dysfunction. Dorsal (45.6%) and lateral (29.3%) were the most common curvatures. The degree of deformity was less than 30 degrees in 42.7% of patients, 31 to 60 degrees in 38.8% and greater than 60 degrees in 18.6%. At least 1 risk factor for systemic vascular disease was identified in 67.5% of patients, and hypercholesterolemia and diabetes were the most common. Patients with at least 1 risk factor had a significantly higher risk for severe penile deformity. Of the men 54.4% complained of erectile dysfunction and the probability of diminished erectile capacity was 86.7% in patients older than 60 years, with Peyronie's disease for more than 12 months and at least 1 risk factor. Of 63 patients presenting with the acute phase of disease penile deformity deteriorated in 30.2%, did not change in 66.7% and resolved spontaneously in 3.2% without any treatment after a mean followup of 8.4 months. Our data show that penile deformities are disabling (greater than 30 degrees) in 62.5% of cases. Risk factors, such as serum lipid abnormalities, diabetes and hypertension, seem to have significant impact on the severity of symptoms and outcome. Patients must be informed that Peyronie's disease is progressive in 30.2% without treatment and spontaneous resolution is rare.

Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction in Renal Transplant RecipientsAssessment of Potential Risk Factors

This study was performed to determine the effects of renal transplantation on penile haemodynamics using pharmaco-stimulation and colour Duplex ultrasonographic examination and then to determine the possible vascular risk factors for impotence in these patients. A total of 100 renal transplant recipients (RTRs; 80 impotent, 20 potent) and 20 potent uraemic patients on haemodialysis waiting for transplantation (control group) were included in the study. The patients were evaluated by means of detailed medical and sexual histories, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The severity of erectile dysfunction was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Pharmacodynamic penile Duplex ultrasonography was carried out for all patients. The following factors were more commonly associated with impotent compared to potent RTRs: older age, diabetes mellitus, a longer pre-transplant duration of uraemia, impaired graft function and the use of cyclosporin A-based immunosuppressive therapy. Arterial occlusive disease was identified among 11 RTRs (11%), all of whom were impotent. Impotent RTRs had a significantly lower penile blood flow compared to potent RTRs or controls. Age, duration of pre-transplant uraemia and cyclosporin A level had a negative impact on penile haemodynamic parameters. Penile vascular insufficiency is less common in RTRs than previously reported. The pathogenesis of penile arterial occlusive disease in impotent RTRs is mainly due to associated vascular risk factors. After unilateral interruption of the internal iliac artery, an adequate penile blood supply is maintained in the majority of cases. Early transplantation may delay or prevent the development of penile vasculopathy.

Relation of C-reactive protein and other cardiovascular risk factors to penile vascular disease in men with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an early sign or symptom of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the relation of traditional and emerging risk factors for CVD to the severity of penile vascular disease in men with ED and without clinical coronary artery disease (CAD). In total, 137 men with ED were evaluated for penile vascular disease severity by penile Doppler ultrasound. These men were divided into the following groups based on ultrasound results: normal, cavernous venous occlusive disease, mild arterial insufficiency, and severe arterial insufficiency. Traditional (fasting lipid panel, fasting glucose, age, BMI, smoking, Framingham coronary artery disease risk score) and emerging (C-reactive protein, Lp(a), homocysteine) risk factors for CVD were correlated to severity of penile vascular disease in men with ED and without clinical CAD. Using univariate analysis, penile Doppler groups showed significant positive correlation to CRP (r=0.21; < or = 0.05) and age (r=0.30; < or = 0.01). For CRP, this correlation remained significant even when adjusted for age (< or = 0.05). Men displaying evidence of penile arterial disease (mild and severe arterial insufficiency) were characterized by elevated CRP levels (0.17 mg/dl) compared to men with no evidence of arterial abnormalities in the penis (0.04 mg/dl). CRP levels correlate significantly with increasing severity of penile vascular disease as measured by penile Doppler.

EXTRAMAMMARY PAGET's DISEASE OF THE PENIS AND SCROTUM: EXCISION, RECONSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION OF OCCULT MALIGNANCY

We describe treatment and reconstruction in patients after surgery for extramammary Paget's disease of the penis and scrotum. We also investigated whether this disease causes an increased risk of undiagnosed visceral malignancy. We reviewed the databases at our institution from 1996 to 2000 and identified 6 men 67 to 87 years old (mean age 76). In addition, we reviewed the literature on the clinical and pathological features of this disease. In our 6 patients scrotal involvement was present in 83% and penile extramammary Paget's disease was present in 33%. Each man underwent wide local excision and large skin defects were immediately reconstructed with split-thickness skin grafts. In 1 case extramammary Paget's disease had spread to the superficial inguinal nodes. At a mean followup of 29 months there has been no local recurrence and internal malignancy has not been diagnosed. Our literature review revealed 13 patients with penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease and visceral malignancy, including 12 (92%) with malignancy of the genitourinary system. Extramammary Paget's disease of the penis and scrotum is a rare disease that can be managed by excision and immediate reconstruction with skin grafting or a local skin flap. Disease may spread to the regional lymph nodes. Although genitourinary cancer may accompany penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease, an extensive search for cancer of the thorax or abdomen may be unnecessary because only 1 reported case of colon cancer has been associated with penile or scrotal extramammary Paget's disease.

Treatment with sildenafil citrate in renal transplant patients with erectile dysfunction.

To assess the safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate in renal transplant patients with erectile dysfunction, as up to half of men with renal failure may be affected and only 60-75% recover potency after transplantation. Fifty patients with erectile dysfunction and a functioning renal transplant were treated using sildenafil (mean age 54 years, mean time on dialysis 35 months, mean time from transplantation 20 months). The hypogastric artery was not used during transplantation in any patient. Sildenafil citrate was prescribed at doses of 25 or 50 mg depending on baseline creatinine values and on the response, and plasma levels of cyclosporin/FK506 were monitored. Thirty patients (60%) had a satisfactory response, with a mean time on dialysis of 23 months. Six patients (12%) did not take the sildenafil and in 14 (28%) the drug was ineffective. The mean time on dialysis in this group was 43 months. Six patients (12%) had side-effects that in no case led to withdrawal of treatment. Plasma levels of cyclosporin/FK506 remained within the safety and efficacy limits in all patients. Treatment with sildenafil citrate in renal transplant patients with erectile dysfunction is an effective and safe option, with few side-effects. Plasma levels of immunosuppressants are unchanged. The response was more effective in patients with a shorter time on dialysis, as penile vascular disease is less advanced.

Postoperative Funktionalität und Aspekte zur Lebensqualität nach Penisbegradigung durch die Schröder-Essed-Technik

The Schröder-Essed technique is a standard technique for correction of penile curvature. Although it has been described as a simple and rapid technique offering low morbidity, no data are available on long-term follow-up and life quality of the operated patients. In a retrospective analysis we investigated functional results and life quality (LQ) using a detailed questionnaire. From January 1994 to January 1999, 40 patients (median age 26) underwent correction of penile curvature using a slightly modified Schröder-Essed technique. We used a self-established questionnaire investigating functional and cosmetic aspects and LQ. Complete follow-up data are available in 31/40 (77.5%) patients (congenital curvature, 19 patients; Peyronie's disease, 12 patients). Median follow-up is 22 months. Degree of angulation before surgery was estimated at < 45 degrees in 5 patients, 45-90 degrees in 22 patients, and > 90 degrees in 4 patients. In 21/31 patients (67.7%) cohabitation was not possible or discomfortable. Impaired LQ due to penile curvature was reported by 26/31 patients (83.8%). After surgery, the cosmetic result was considered as good or sufficient in 25 patients. Cohabitation was possible in 25/31 patients (80.6%). Penile shortening (> 2 cm) was reported by six patients. Significant improvement of life quality was reported by 15 patients. Among the 12 patients with Peyronie's disease, 6 mentioned postoperative impaired rigidity. In two patients with Peyronie's disease penile curvature recurred. This simple operation technique offers good functional and cosmetic results. Particularly patients with congenital curvature reported good or excellent results. Patients with Peyronie's disease have to be informed about the risk of disease recurrence. Other operation techniques should be considered for these patients.

Perineal Group A Streptococcal Disease in a Pediatric Practice

This study was designed to document the frequency and define the clinical, epidemiologic, and microbiologic characteristics of perineal disease caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) in a pediatric practice in which increased numbers of cases had been observed. Clinical, epidemiologic, and microbiologic data were collected on all culture-confirmed cases of perineal GAS disease during the calendar year 1997. GAS isolates from clinical cases and a comparison group of children with GAS pharyngitis were analyzed by T typing, emm gene analysis, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Twenty-three cases of GAS perineal disease were diagnosed during 4530 office visits in 1997. Thirteen cases had perianal disease, 8 had vulvovaginal infection, and 2 were infected at both sites. No cases of penile disease were identified. Infections peaked in late winter and early spring and affected children with an average age of 5 years with a range of perineal, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary symptoms. Analysis of T and emm types showed the majority (82%) of perineal isolates to be T 28 emm 28, showing 2 closely related PFGE patterns. In contrast, the pharyngeal isolates were distributed among 6 different T and emm types. Perineal infection caused by GAS may be a relatively common diagnosis in a pediatric or family practice setting. There may be specific GAS types that have a tropism for perineal tissues but the mechanism of infection is yet to be established.