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Multifocal subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora verrucosa
Masatomo Kimura1, Akio Goto, Tomoko Furuta
1Second Department of Pathology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan. kimura-m@med.kindai.ac.jp
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|January 11, 2003
Summary
A rare case of multifocal subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora verrucosa was observed in an 85-year-old woman. The fungal infection responded well to oral itraconazole treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is a fungal infection typically presenting as a single lesion.
- Phialophora verrucosa is a rare causative agent of this condition.
Observation:
- An 85-year-old woman presented with multiple, pus-filled nodules on her forearm and hand.
- Histopathology revealed subcutaneous granuloma with abscess and necrosis, showing fungal elements.
- Culture identified Phialophora verrucosa as the causative agent.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of multifocal subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora verrucosa.
- Multifocal lesions may have resulted from incomplete initial excision, leading to satellite lesions.
- The patient's condition improved with oral itraconazole therapy.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for Phialophora verrucosa to cause multifocal subcutaneous infections.
- Suggests careful surgical management is crucial to prevent lesion dissemination.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of itraconazole in treating this rare fungal infection.
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