Sclerosing lymphangitis of the penis: a lymphangiofibrosis thrombotica occlusiva.

Three patients with so-called non-venereal sclerosing lymphangitis of the penis are presented. Light and electron microscopy of one case revealed a lymphatic collecting vessel with a fibrin thrombus in the process of recanalization and vessel wall fibrosis due to hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. The term 'lymphangiofibrosis thrombotica occlusiva' is proposed. Lymph stasis is suggested as a provoking factor for the dilatation and clinically striking firm thickening of the affected collecting vessel. No microorganisms were recognized. Within the fibrin thrombus, sprouts of endothelial cells showed intracellular vacuoles, probably indicating the first identifiable step in lymph capillary lumen formation. Signs of collagen remodelling were encountered in the thickened vessel wall.