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Phaeohyphomycosis infection in the knee
David Sadigursky1, Luisa Nogueira E Ferreira1, Liz Moreno de Oliveira Corrêa1
1Hospital COT, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira De Ortopedia
|April 13, 2016
Summary
Phaeohyphomycosis, a fungal infection, rarely affects large joints. This case report details a successful itraconazole treatment for knee phaeohyphomycosis in an elderly patient without immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Phaeohyphomycosis, typically caused by cutaneous fungi, rarely involves large joints.
- Most reported cases occur in immunosuppressed individuals.
Observation:
- A case of phaeohyphomycosis in the left knee of an elderly, non-immunosuppressed individual presented with anterior knee pain and swelling.
- Initial symptoms mimicked suprapatellar bursitis and did not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Surgical resection of the suprapatellar bursa and quadriceps tendon was performed.
Findings:
- Anatomopathological examination and culturing confirmed phaeohyphomycosis.
- Treatment with itraconazole (200 mg/day for six weeks) resulted in complete symptom remission.
- The patient remained asymptomatic with normal physical examination after one year of follow-up.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of phaeohyphomycosis in the suprapatellar region of the knee.
- Highlights the possibility of phaeohyphomycosis in non-immunosuppressed individuals presenting with knee infections.
- Suggests considering phaeohyphomycosis in recalcitrant knee infections, particularly involving the suprapatellar bursa.
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