Perineal xanthogranulomatous pseudotumor due to intermittent catheterization: A liposarcoma mimic. Case report

Abstract

A large perineal fatty tissue mass shown to be an encapsulated xanthogranulomatous reaction was found in a spinal cord injured man whose neuropathic bladder was for a long time being managed by clean intermittent catheterization, but who had chronic urinary tract infection. He was also known to be a chronic alcoholic. We would say that an alcohol numbed sensorium and multiple catheterizations led to recurrent small urethral perforations which in the setting of chronic bacteriuria promoted the unusual inflammatory mass. Appreciating the increasing use of clean intermittent catheterization for the spinal cord injured, we suspect that similar cases of ‘xanthogranulomatous pseudotumors’ will be found, and therefore we describe this most unusual clinical presentation. © 1994 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.