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Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cyphellophora pluriseptata
Achiléa L Bittencourt1, Paulo R L Machado, Maria G S Araujo
1Department of Pathology, Hospital Pr. Edgard Santos, Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Rua Augusto Viana s/n, Canela CEP: 40110-160 Salvador-Bahia, Brazil. achilea@uol.com.br
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|January 26, 2002
Summary
This study reports the first case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cyphellophora pluriseptata in an immunocompetent patient. Diagnosis involved identifying dematiaceous hyphae in skin biopsies, highlighting the need for etiological agent isolation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Phaeohyphomycosis is a fungal infection characterized by dematiaceous fungi.
- Cyphellophora pluriseptata, a dematiaceous fungus, was first described in 1986.
Observation:
- A rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by C. pluriseptata in an apparently healthy individual.
- The patient presented with extensive left ear infiltration mimicking borderline leprosy.
- Histopathology revealed dense dermal lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells without abscesses.
Findings:
- Dematiaceous hyphae were identified, leading to the histopathological diagnosis.
- This represents the first documented case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to C. pluriseptata.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and unusual presentations of phaeohyphomycosis.
- Emphasizes the critical importance of isolating the etiologic agent for accurate diagnosis and management of phaeohyphomycosis.