[Extrapodal mycetomas in Senegal: epidemiological, clinical and etiological study of 82 cases diagnosed from 2000 to...

Although the foot remains the main localization of mycetomas, extrapodal attacks, which are rarely studied, are also possible and occur either initially or following an extension. The objectives were to describe the epidemiological, clinical and etiological features of extrapodal mycetomas in Senegal.

Cross-sectional and retrospective study with multicentric enrollment in four reference department, two of which are in dermatology and two in orthopedics and traumatology. We included the files of patients with extrapodal mycetoma followed from January 2000 to December 2020. The data were analysed with SPSS software. Any p less than or equal to 0.05 was statistically significant.

We collected 82 cases representing 39% of mycetoma cases (n = 210). The average age was 41.9. The sex ratio was 3.1. Professionally, most patients were active farmers in 51% of cases (n = 33), pastoralists and housewives in 9 % (n = 6) respectively. The mean duration of evolution was 7.5 years. Exclusively extrapodal topographies were noted in 84% of cases (n = 69). Foot and extrapodal locations were concomitant in 16% of cases (n = 13). Mycetoma foci were distributed as follows: 59 in the trunk, 47 in the lower limbs, 9 in the upper limbs, 1 in the scalp and 1 in the neck. The etiology was actinomycotic in 46% of cases (n = 38), fungal in 38% (n = 31). It was not specified in 16% of cases (n = 13). Bone involvement occurs after 5 years (p = 0.001) unrelated to the etiology (p = 0.6).

Extrapodal mycetomas are secondary to direct inoculation. However, extension to bone is exclusively due to diagnostic delay. Periodic consultations in endemic areas combined with training of resident health personnel are necessary for early diagnosis in order to improve the prognosis.