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Cutaneous histoplasmosis as a complication after anti-TNF use--Case report

Gabrielle Aline Zattar1, Fernanda Cardoso1, Sadamitsu Nakandakari1

  • 1Lauro de Souza Lima Institute, Bauru, SP, BR.

Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia
|August 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents treat psoriasis but increase infection risk. This case shows a rare histoplasmosis infection in a patient treated with anti-TNF therapy, highlighting a potential risk.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents are widely used for psoriasis treatment.
  • These therapies can lead to immunosuppression, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with a history of psoriasis treated with anti-TNF agents presented with a persistent eyebrow lesion after treatment cessation.
  • Initial diagnosis considered basal cell carcinoma.

Findings:

  • Histopathological examination revealed the lesion was not basal cell carcinoma but histoplasmosis.
  • This indicates an atypical presentation of a fungal infection in an immunosuppressed individual.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider opportunistic infections like histoplasmosis in immunosuppressed patients, even after anti-TNF therapy discontinuation.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing these atypical infections in dermatological patients.

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