Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a fungal disease, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting mainly rural workers. It is characterized by chronic skin lesions that may vary from nodular, tumorous, verrucous or plaque type. Associated constitutional symptoms are rarely found. The histological presentation may yield a pathognomonic feature, the Medlar (sclerotic) bodies, in which a typical brown to black pigment is depicted, explaining "copper pennies" as its alias. In this article, the case of a 56-year-old woman in the countryside of Brazil is reported; whose main complaint was a chronic leg ulcer for the past 8 years. On the left leg, a large, partially ulcerated plaque lesion was found. Microbiological cultures were positive for the pathogen. Histological analysis demonstrated pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and sclerotic bodies ("copper pennies"). CBM's epidemiological panorama, once established uniquely by geographical distribution, is transitioning to a global health issue, influenced by immunosuppressive conditions, global warming and migration. This scenario demands CBM to be widely considered as a differential diagnosis and may represent a clinical challenge in regions whose professionals have little expertise in infectious tropical diseases.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.