Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Due to Pyrenochaeta romeroi Mimicking a Synovial Cyst

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Opportunistic fungal infections are rising, particularly in immunocompromised individuals like organ transplant recipients.
• Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, a rare fungal infection, presents with diverse clinical manifestations, often diagnosed via case reports.
• Pyrenochaeta romeroi, a soil-dwelling fungus, is an identified agent of phaeohyphomycosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.
• To illustrate the diagnostic challenge of P. romeroi mimicking other conditions.
• To highlight the importance of considering fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Clinical examination and patient history.
• Diagnostic workup including imaging and microbiological analysis (implied).

Main Results:

• A rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Pyrenochaeta romeroi was identified.
• The fungal infection presented atypically, mimicking a synovial cyst.
• The patient had diabetes mellitus, a condition that can influence infection susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• Pyrenochaeta romeroi can cause subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis with varied clinical presentations.
• This case underscores the importance of differential diagnosis in immunocompromised patients.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management of rare fungal infections.