Cytodiagnosis of subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis

Abstract

Pheohyphomycosis is mycotic infection caused by dematiaceous fungi characterized by myceliform septate hyphae, pseudo hyphae and yeast forms of pigmented fungus. It may cause local or systemic disseminated infection. The objective of this study is to emphasize on keen cytologic examination of aspirate in diagnosis of subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis with the help of special stain. We describe a case of seventy-eight-year-old man presented with nodulocystic swelling over the right forearm clinically thought to be a neoplasm. FNAC smears from the swelling showed fungal hyphae morphologically consistent with pheohyphomycosis. Cytological examination helps in early diagnosis of this disease and prompt patient management.

Keywords

• cytology
• dematiaceous fungi
• pheohyphomycosis