Unusual case of penile ecchymosis

Case report published in Pediatr Emerg Care (2019)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board

Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference

Evidence: Case reportSeguridad y control de infeccionesPeterson T et al. · Pediatric emergency care, 2019

Abstract

Hirudin is a potent anticoagulant found in the salivary glands of several species of leeches. We report a case of direct hirudin exposure after suspected leech bite causing significant penile ecchymosis. Diagnosis was not apparent on initial evaluation but made after a thorough history was obtained and the leech was found in the lining of his swim trunks, which he left at home. Although this presentation mimics several other potentially serious conditions, treatment is largely observational with anticipated rapid improvement over the course of hours without intervention.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBites and StingsChildDiagnosis, DifferentialEcchymosisHirudinsHumansLeechesMalePenile DiseasesPenisRemission, Spontaneous

Resumen

Pediatric penile-ecchymosis case from direct hirudin exposure after suspected leech bite in swim trunks. Largely observational management with anticipated rapid spontaneous improvement.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This case report describes a patient who presented with significant penile ecchymosis following a suspected leech bite, with hirudin—a potent anticoagulant found in the salivary glands of several leech species—identified as the causative agent after the leech was discovered in the lining of the patient's swim trunks. The authors note that the presentation mimics several potentially serious conditions but that treatment is largely observational with anticipated rapid improvement over hours without intervention. This case is relevant to ASH's domain as it documents a direct clinical effect of hirudin exposure from a leech bite and illustrates the anticoagulant potency of leech salivary secretions. The limitation is that this is a single case report of an accidental leech bite rather than medicinal hirudotherapy, and no laboratory coagulation values or follow-up duration are reported in the abstract.

Citación

Unusual case of penile ecchymosis.

Peterson T et al. · Pediatric emergency care, 2019

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

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Aviso legal — investigación y educación

La información en esta página se proporciona únicamente con fines educativos e informativos y no constituye asesoramiento médico, diagnóstico o recomendaciones de tratamiento. Los resúmenes de evidencia clínica reflejan la literatura publicada revisada por pares y no implican eficacia terapéutica fuera de los contextos autorizados por la FDA.

La autorización FDA 510(k) para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas. Las aplicaciones en investigación y fuera de indicación se identifican como tales. Los profesionales deben consultar las directrices vigentes de la FDA, los protocolos institucionales y las normativas estatales aplicables antes del uso clínico.

ASH apoya la evaluación rigurosa basada en evidencia de todas las aplicaciones de hirudoterapia mediante ensayos clínicos controlados e investigación revisada por pares.

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026