Overview
Calabar swelling, also known as monkeypox-related swelling, is characterized by subcutaneous edema often involving the face, hands, and feet, typically seen in the context of monkeypox infection 2.Diagnosis
Clinical presentation often guided by patient age and specific symptoms 2.
Imaging (CT, MRI) can be crucial for differentiating between various causes of facial swelling, though specific protocols for Calabar swelling are not detailed 1.
Rare causes like ganglion cysts should be considered in atypical presentations of limb swelling 4.Management
Treatment primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and complications 2.
Specific antiviral therapy (e.g., tecovirimat) may be considered for severe cases of monkeypox 2.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for compressive lesions like ganglion cysts 4.Special Populations
Pediatrics: Differential diagnosis broad; clinical assessment often sufficient, but MRI may be needed for definitive diagnosis 3.
Comorbidities: Specific management adjustments may be required based on underlying conditions, though detailed guidance is not provided in the abstracts 2.Key Recommendations
Consider clinical context and patient demographics to narrow differential diagnoses 2.
Utilize advanced imaging techniques (CT, MRI) for complex or atypical presentations to exclude rare causes 14.
Tailor management to the severity of the condition, incorporating antiviral therapy for severe monkeypox cases (Evidence: Expert opinion) 2.References
1 Smith SM, Thelen JC, Bhatt AA, Kessler AT. Facial swelling for the emergency radiologist-typical and atypical causes. Emergency radiology 2021. link
2 Bambekova P, Morfin A, Buch C, Usatine R. Facial swelling in an adolescent. The Journal of family practice 2019. link
3 Osman MK, Irwin GJ, Huntley JS. Swelling around a child's knee. Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.) 2011. link
4 Bhan C, Corfield L. A case of unilateral lower limb swelling secondary to a ganglion cyst. European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery 2007. link
5 Hung T, Jacob A, Shahab R. Idiopathic lymphoepithelial cyst of the parapharynx masquerading as peritonsillar abscess. The Journal of laryngology and otology 2001. link