[Mycetoma of the hand]

A case with a rare localization of mycetoma, on the hand, is described. A 31-year-old male patient developed this condition in 5 months after injury with a rope. Surgical treatment for a phlegmon of the left hand was ineffective. After microscopic and bacteriologic studies the dermatologists have diagnosed a pseudomycotic (actinomycotic) mycetoma of the left hand and lower third of the left arm. Streptomycin, penicillin, and actinolysate therapy essentially improved the course of the process. A review of literature on the etiology, epidemiology, clinical picture and therapy of mycetoma is presented.