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Eyelid involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis
Antonio A V Cruz1, Fabio Zenha, Jose T Silva
1Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas-Campus, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. aavecruz@fmrp.usp.br
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|May 29, 2004
Summary
Paracoccidioidomycosis rarely affects the eyelids, occurring in 2.5% of cases. Untreated, this fungal infection can cause destructive eyelid ulcers and scarring, often misdiagnosed as cancer.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection endemic to Latin America.
- Ocular involvement, particularly eyelid lesions, is an uncommon manifestation.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent disfigurement and functional impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document eyelid manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis.
- To determine the prevalence of eyelid involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis patients.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and sequelae of ocular adnexal paracoccidioidomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 439 paracoccidioidomycosis patient records (1992-2002).
- Analysis of clinical data, including age, sex, and disease form.
- Confirmation of eyelid lesions via skin biopsy and ophthalmological examination by oculoplastic specialists.
Main Results:
- Eyelid involvement was observed in 11 (2.5%) of 439 patients.
- Active lesions presented as madarosis or destructive ulcers, mimicking malignancies.
- Healed lesions showed significant fibrosis, leading to eyelid malpositions (entropion/ectropion) and tissue fusion.
Conclusions:
- Eyelid involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis is infrequent.
- Active lesions can be misdiagnosed as eyelid malignancies.
- Fibrotic sequelae of healed lesions can cause severe eyelid deformities and functional deficits.