[Chromoblastomycosis]

The paper describes a case of chromoblastomycosis, a rare implantation mycosis in the Russian Federation. It gives data on the prevalence, etiology, and clinical presentations of the disease, and the diagnostic possibilities. Emphasis is laid on the leading role of a pathomorphological study in the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis in non-endemic countries, including Russia. The clinical and pathomorphological presentations are described in detail. Histological examination detected 5-12-µm spherical or polygonal pigmented cells that are fungal elements, which allows chromoblastomycosis to be diagnosed in the cytoplasm of macrophages and extracellularly. A refusal to conduct a pathomorphological study leads to diagnostic errors and an irrational treatment policy.