Dermatophytosis caused by Tricophyton rubrum as an opportunistic infection in patients with Cushing disease

An Bras Dermatol. 2010 Nov-Dec;85(6):888-90. doi: 10.1590/s0365-05962010000600017.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Trichophyton rubrum is a common agent found in superficial mycoses, which present ample non-inflammatory lesions, with chronic evolution, especially in immunocompromised patients. The hypercortisolism in Cushing's syndrome increases the risk of infections as a result of the immunosuppressive effect of glucocorticoids. The reported cases here refer to two different types of dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum in patients with Cushing's disease, resistant to antifungal treatment. The disease remitted after the levels of cortisol went back to normal.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cushing Syndrome / blood
  • Cushing Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Dermatomycoses / diagnosis
  • Dermatomycoses / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Male
  • Trichophyton / isolation & purification*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone