Chromoblastomycosis: a case report with literature review

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic progressive cutaneous fungal infection caused by several naturally pigmented fungi that is frequently misdiagnosed clinically because of its polymorphic clinical presentation. We present a case of cutaneous chromoblastomycosis in a 52 year male in the right leg that was mimicking mycetoma/cutaneous tuberculosis clinically. Later, it was diagnosed as chromoblastomycosis in histopathological examination on identification of characteristic sclerotic/medlar bodies. We found combination of chemotherapy and wide local excision was effective in the management of localized chromoblastomycosis with favorable outcome. To conclude, chromoblastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic cutaneous infections and one has to look for sclerotic bodies particularly in granulomatous lesions as it has specific treatment.