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A tropical diabetic foot
L Henckaerts1, R Naesens, E Vlieghe
1Department of General Internal Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. liesbet.henckaerts@gmail.com
Acta Clinica Belgica
|November 30, 2012
Summary
Eumycetoma, a fungal infection, can cause chronic diabetic foot wounds resistant to typical treatments. Early diagnosis via biopsy and PCR is crucial for effective management, especially in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Diabetic Foot Complications
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Diabetic foot infections are a significant cause of morbidity.
- Chronic, non-healing foot wounds in diabetics warrant thorough investigation.
- Eumycetoma is a rare fungal infection affecting the foot.
Observation:
- A patient with type 2 diabetes presented with a chronic foot wound unresponsive to standard antibacterial therapy.
- Histopathological examination of a bone biopsy was key to diagnosis.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Madurella mycetomatis.
Findings:
- The chronic foot wound was diagnosed as eumycetoma, a fungal osteomyelitis.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through histopathology and molecular methods (PCR).
- This case highlights an uncommon cause of diabetic foot osteomyelitis in Europe.
Implications:
- Consider eumycetoma in diabetic patients with chronic foot osteomyelitis, particularly those from endemic regions.
- Accurate diagnosis requires histopathology and potentially PCR, beyond standard bacterial cultures.
- Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate antifungal treatment and improved patient outcomes.
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