Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2025

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
05:39

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Published on: May 16, 2025

172

Erythema nodosum as key manifestation of histoplasmosis case

Susanna Wang1, Jennifer Morrical2

  • 1Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA wangsusa@msu.edu.

BMJ Case Reports
|November 15, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection from inhaling spores, can cause severe complications if untreated. This case highlights erythema nodosum as a rare but important diagnostic clue in women.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by *Histoplasma capsulatum* spores.
  • Inhalation of spores from contaminated soil (bat/bird droppings) is the primary transmission route.
  • Untreated infections can lead to severe complications like mediastinal fibrosis or disseminated disease.

Observation:

  • Histoplasmosis is often asymptomatic, complicating early diagnosis.
  • Erythema nodosum is an uncommon manifestation, seen in only 6% of cases.
  • This case involves a woman in her 50s presenting with painful leg nodules.

Findings:

  • The patient had a history of fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism.
  • Initial symptoms of painful nodules led to a histoplasmosis diagnosis.
  • This presentation underscores atypical disease manifestations.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for inflammatory conditions.
  • Emphasizes considering infectious etiologies even with common symptoms.
  • Relevant for clinicians managing patients with unexplained skin manifestations.
Keywords:
CryptococcusDermatologyExposuresSystemic lupus erythematosusVasculitis

More Related Videos

Anti-Nuclear Antibody Screening Using HEp-2 Cells13:01

Anti-Nuclear Antibody Screening Using HEp-2 Cells

Published on: June 23, 2014

135.1K
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering12:23

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering

Published on: October 12, 2012

10.6K

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
21
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
19
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
44
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
18
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
16
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
29