Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
10:36

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach

Published on: May 23, 2025

Cutaneous Curvularia infection of the forearm

Megan Nicole Moody1, Jaime Tschen, Michah Mesko

  • 1St. Joseph Dermatopathology, Houston, Texas, USA. meganNmoody@gmail.com

Cutis
|April 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Phaeohyphomycosis, fungal infections, are rising. A Curvularia fungal infection in a 73-year-old man resolved completely with itraconazole treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Phaeohyphomycosis encompasses infections by dematiaceous fungi, with increasing reports in humans.
  • Curvularia species, commonly found in soil and vegetation, are emerging as causative agents of human disease.
  • Limited case data hinders the development of specific treatment guidelines for these infections.

Observation:

  • A 73-year-old male patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and recent Actinomyces pneumonia presented with a localized skin lesion.
  • The lesion, a plaque on the right forearm, was diagnosed as a Curvularia species infection.
  • The patient had no known prior exposure to Curvularia species.

Findings:

  • The Curvularia infection on the patient's forearm showed complete resolution following treatment with itraconazole.
  • This case demonstrates the successful management of a rare cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Curvularia.

Implications:

  • This case contributes to the understanding of Curvularia species as human pathogens.
  • It highlights itraconazole as a potential therapeutic option for localized cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.
  • Further research is needed to establish definitive treatment protocols for emerging dematiaceous fungal infections.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Veins of Upper Limbs01:17

Veins of Upper Limbs

The human circulatory system, a marvel of biological engineering, is a complex network of vessels that transport blood throughout the body. Among these, the veins responsible for carrying blood from the upper limbs are divided into two categories: deep and superficial.
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs01:12

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
Papillary Dermis01:11

Papillary Dermis

Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius01:09

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna01:15

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...