[Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a leukemic child]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pediatric Oncology

Background:

• Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Children with hematologic malignancies like leukemia are particularly susceptible to invasive fungal infections.
• PCA can manifest in neonates and preterm infants due to immature immune systems.

Observation:

• A 4-year-old boy diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presented with a skin lesion.
• The lesion, characterized by ulceration and necrosis, appeared at the venipuncture site on his forearm.
• The patient was undergoing chemotherapy for his leukemia.

Findings:

• Microbiological culture of the skin lesion confirmed the presence of Aspergillus flavus.
• This case highlights a specific presentation of PCA in a pediatric patient with ALL.

Implications:

• Early recognition and diagnosis of PCA are crucial in immunocompromised pediatric patients.
• Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and manage complications.
• This case underscores the importance of vigilant dermatological monitoring during chemotherapy for pediatric cancers.