Eumycetoma Caused by Aspergillus terreus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Mycetoma is a granulomatous disease of subcutaneous tissue that is caused by different species of aerobic filamentous bacteria (actinomycetoma) or fungi (eumycetoma). Mycetoma treatment depends on the causative pathogen, and it mainly consists of antimicrobial interventions or surgery. Aspergillus terreus is an etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis and a rare cause of eumycetoma that is common in central and southern China. The present case report describes a 45-year-old female patient with subcutaneous swelling and multiple active and healed sinuses over the dorsal aspect of the left foot who was diagnosed with eumycetoma caused by A. terreus. This is the first such case reported in China. We applied a combination treatment consisting of itraconazole with topical luliconazole cream and radiofrequency microneedling, and this was followed by significant regression of the lesion. In addition, we reviewed the current literature to summarize the epidemiological characteristics of mycetoma in mainland China and cases of eumycetoma caused by A. terreus worldwide.