Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Isolating Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and CD4+ T cells from Sézary Syndrome Patients for Transcriptomic Profiling
Published on: October 14, 2021
Fusariosis occurring in an ulcerated cutaneous CD8+ T cell lymphoma tumor
Chao-Kai Hsu1, Mark Ming-Long Hsu, Julia Yu-Yun Lee
1Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Fusarium species have recently emerged as the second most common pathogenic mold in immunocompromised patients, and they are moderately resistant to most antifungal agents. The skin lesions of disseminated fusariosis typically manifest as multiple red or violaceous macules or nodules, often ulcerated and covered by a black eschar. We report a case of cutaneous fusariosis in a patient with long-standing hypopigmented mycosis fungoides. The infection was successfully treated with a 3-month course of oral voriconazole. The present case is unusual in that the infection occurred within a pre-existing, ulcerated lesion of cutaneous CD8+ lymphoma, resulting clinically in confusion with pyoderma gangrenosum and necrosis of lymphoma. A high index of suspicion will prompt a timely biopsy as well as isolation of the fungus, and early institution of systemic antifungal therapy.
Insights
Fusarium mold is a growing threat to immunocompromised patients. This case highlights successful treatment of cutaneous fusariosis in a patient with mycosis fungoides using oral voriconazole.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fusarium species are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens in immunocompromised individuals.
- Disseminated fusariosis presents with characteristic skin lesions, often mimicking other dermatological conditions.
- Antifungal resistance is a concern with Fusarium infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of cutaneous fusariosis.
- To describe the clinical presentation in a patient with mycosis fungoides and cutaneous CD8+ lymphoma.
- To highlight the successful treatment outcome and diagnostic challenges.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with a pre-existing skin condition.
- Clinical diagnosis and subsequent laboratory isolation of Fusarium species.
- Treatment with oral voriconazole.
Main Results:
- Successful resolution of cutaneous fusariosis after a 3-month course of oral voriconazole.
- The infection occurred within an ulcerated lesion of cutaneous CD8+ lymphoma, initially confusing the diagnosis with pyoderma gangrenosum.
- The patient had a history of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous fusariosis can occur in patients with underlying hematologic malignancies and pre-existing skin lesions.
- Early diagnosis through biopsy and fungal isolation is crucial.
- Systemic antifungal therapy, such as voriconazole, can be effective.
