Ear Sporotrichosis Mimicking Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Sporotrichosis is an endemic mycosis caused by Sporothrix spp. We report the case of a 30-year-old male construction worker from Jalisco, Mexico. His symptoms initiated 20 years earlier with a pustule on his left ear, which evolved into an erythematous plaque that ulcerated and progressively destroyed the surrounding cartilage. Initial treatment of presumed cutaneous leishmaniasis was ineffective. Biopsies performed revealed chronic granulomatous dermatitis, and cultures on Sabouraud medium identified Sporothrix spp. Additionally, a sporotrichin intradermal test was performed, revealing a positive result. The patient achieved complete resolution after treatment with potassium iodide (6 g per day for 4 months). He declined reconstructive surgery. Infections by Sporothrix spp. can lead to lesions that can mimic other infectious or noninfectious causes such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is important to consider endemic mycosis even in unusual anatomical locations such as the auricle, especially when prior treatment has failed.