Erythema nodosum and blastomycosis

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection endemic to North America.
• Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory condition often associated with various underlying causes.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of blastomycosis presenting with erythema nodosum.
• Case 1: Pulmonary blastomycosis resolved with surgical resection of the infiltrate, without chemotherapy.
• Case 2: Disseminated blastomycosis necessitated treatment with amphotericin B.

Findings:

• Blastomycosis can present with erythema nodosum, a less common dermatological manifestation.
• Successful treatment of blastomycosis depends on the extent of disease and patient factors.
• Surgical intervention may be a viable option for localized pulmonary blastomycosis.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider blastomycosis in the differential diagnosis of erythema nodosum, especially in endemic areas.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing blastomycosis.
• Further research is warranted to understand the relationship between blastomycosis and erythema nodosum.