Cytological diagnosis of primary cutaneous histoplasmosis with hemophagocytosis in immunocompetent patient – A rare case from non endemic region

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum is an opportunistic dimorphic fungus caused by inhalation of spores present in the soil. It is extremely rare in the northern Himalayan region of India and is usually asymptomatic. It may rarely progress to disseminated histoplasmosis which is usually observed in immunocompromised patients associated with malignancy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or diabetes. The present case is being reported because of unusual cutaneous presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient of non-endemic region. The case also highlights the importance of fine needle aspiration cytology for its precise early diagnosis and avoiding of further complications.

Keywords

• cutaneous
• fine needle aspiration cytology
• hemophagocytosis
• histoplasmosis