Hidden under a cauliflower-like growth: A case of cutaneous chromoblastomycosis and response to combination therapy

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis is a rare, chronic fungal infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is caused by several pigmented fungi commonly seen in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Here, we report a case of chronic cutaneous chromoblastomycosis in a middle aged man from the southern part of Jizan, Saudi Arabia, who presented to our derma clinic with verrucous cauliflower like growth on the right hand. Later on, histopathological study showed pathognomonic characteristic brown colored spores (copper pennies or medlar bodies) of the fungus within dermal abscess. The patient was cured after a 6 month combination use of itraconazole and cryotherapy. Review of literature showed this is the first cutaneous chromoblastomycosis reported from Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

• Chromoblastomycosis
• Copper pennies
• Medlar bodies
• Itraconazole
• Cryotherapy