Phaeohyphomycosis Masquerading As Epidermal Cyst – A Diagnostic Dilemma in Immunocompetent Hosts and Review of Literature

Abstract

Phaeohyphomycosis is caused by a rare dematiaceous, pigmented, mycelia forming fungi. It is an opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised hosts. It can present with varied clinical manifestations, as subcutaneous infection to widespread fulminant disseminated disease. Here we present three cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in immunocompetent hosts at unusual site – popliteal fossa, great toe and sole of the foot. Awareness of unusual clinical presentation of Phaeohyphomycosis can lead to early diagnosis which may help in prevention of wide spread dissemination of disease and fatal outcome.

Keywords

• Phaeohyphomycosis
• Exophialajeanselmei
• dematiaceous fungi
• Itraconazole