ANSWER
The correct answer is elephantiasis nostras verrucosa (ENV; choice “d”).
DISCUSSION
ENV is a rare condition of advanced cutaneous hypertrophy secondary to a combination of contributing factors including: a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, chronic venous stasis, repeated bouts of lymphangitis, cellulitis, and congestive heart failure (CHF). Most commonly affecting the lower extremities, it is occasionally seen in other dependent areas such as the scrotum and the abdominal pannus. It is, essentially, an exaggerated form of cutaneous lymphedema that causes the skin to become increasingly thick and fibrotic, changes which also reduce blood flow to or from the area.
Despite its name, ENV is not associated with elephantiasis, more commonly known as lymphatic filariasis (choice “b”). Although that condition manifests with similar skin changes, it is typically seen only in those who live in tropical areas where these organisms are endemic—places this patient has never visited.
There was no reason to believe that these skin changes were attributable to warts (choice “a”). Biopsy would have settled that question but also would have run the risk of creating a nonhealing wound, which could easily turn into an ulcer.
Lymphedema (choice “c”) was clearly present, but it was quite advanced—far beyond what is usually seen in venous insufficiency. This diagnosis would not, by itself, explain the nodules or extreme fibrosis.
Other potential causes for these skin changes include postradiation and pretibial myxedema, which had been ruled out prior to the dermatology consult.
TREATMENT
As with simple venous insufficiency, treatment of ENV consists of compression, elevation, and weight loss. For this patient, the diuretics prescribed as part of her CHF treatment might help a bit, but her prognosis is guarded at best.