Neurological manifestations of mycetoma: a cross-sectional community-based study

Abstract

Introduction: Mycetoma is a chronic specific granulomatous progressive and disfiguring subcutaneous inflammatory disease. It is caused by true fungi (Eumycetoma) or by higher bacteria (actinomycetoma). Mycetoma mainly affects the lower limbs, followed by the upper limbs, back, and rarely the head and neck. Mycetoma is mainly transmitted through trauma with infected sharp objects. Herein, we want to determine the neurological manifestations of mycetoma in Sudanese patients. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study included 160 patients with mycetoma seen in the White Nile state. A team of doctors collected data using standardized questionnaires that included clinical history, neurological examination, investigations including laboratory, neurophysiological studies, and imaging. Results: Almost 160 patients were included in the study; 90% of them were male. Two patients presented with entrapment neuropathy, one presented with proximal neuropathy, one had peripheral neuropathy, one had dorsal spine involvement and presented with spastic paraplegia with sensory level, one had cervical cord compression, and one patient had repeated attacks of convulsion. Conclusion: Although it is rare, clinicians should highly suspect neurological involvement in mycetoma patients.