Hidden under a cauliflower-like growth: A case of cutaneous chromoblastomycosis and response to combination therapy

• Main Authors: Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Khalid Mohammed Al Attas, Mohammed A. Buraik, Ali Mohammed Al-Sheikh, Sultan M. Bajawi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-07-01
• Series: Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
• Subjects: Chromoblastomycosis; Copper pennies; Medlar bodies; Itraconazole; Cryotherapy
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352241016300317

Chromoblastomycosis is a rare, chronic fungal infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is caused by several pigmented fungi commonly seen in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Here, we report a case of chronic cutaneous chromoblastomycosis in a middle aged man from the southern part of Jizan, Saudi Arabia, who presented to our derma clinic with verrucous cauliflower like growth on the right hand. Later on, histopathological study showed pathognomonic characteristic brown colored spores (copper pennies or medlar bodies) of the fungus within dermal abscess. The patient was cured after a 6 month combination use of itraconazole and cryotherapy. Review of literature showed this is the first cutaneous chromoblastomycosis reported from Saudi Arabia.