Subclinical hypothyroidism during potassium iodide therapy for lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Sporothrix schenckii is a fungus causing sporotrichosis, often presenting as skin lesions.
• Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, ulcerative skin disease with uncertain etiology.
• Subclinical hypothyroidism is a mild thyroid dysfunction often asymptomatic.

Observation:

• A high school football player presented with an unusual ulcerative lesion on his upper leg.
• The lesion was initially misdiagnosed and treated as pyoderma gangrenosum.
• Diagnosis revealed infection with Sporothrix schenckii.

Findings:

• Treatment with potassium iodide solution for sporotrichosis was initiated.
• The patient developed subclinical hypothyroidism during treatment.
• This highlights a potential complication of sporotrichosis treatment.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of ulcerative lesions is crucial to avoid inappropriate treatment.
• Sporothrix schenckii infections should be considered in differential diagnoses of skin ulcers.
• Monitoring thyroid function during potassium iodide treatment for sporotrichosis may be warranted.