Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycotic cysts caused by Exophiala jeanselmei in a lung transplant patient

Dermatol Surg. 2001 Apr;27(4):343-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.00308.x.

Abstract

Background: Phaeohyphomycosis is a skin fungal infection caused by dematiaceous fungi that often affects immunocompromised patients. Local recurrence after medication or surgical treatment is common in these patients. We present a case in which a 42-year-old woman status post-bilateral lung transplant developed phaeohyphomycotic cysts with local recurrence and then was successfully treated by local excision with pre- and postsurgery oral itraconazole treatment.

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of pre- and postsurgery oral itraconazole in immunocompromised patients with recurrent phaeohyphomycosis.

Methods: Local excision with pre- and postsurgery oral itraconazole treatment.

Results: Simple excision or excision with postsurgery oral itraconazole resulted in local recurrence in this patient. Local excision with pre- and postsurgery oral itraconazole was effective in preventing the local recurrence.

Conclusion: Phaeohyphomycosis can run a prolonged course in immunocompromised patients with multiple recurrences. Local excision with pre- and postsurgery oral itraconazole can be used to treat these patients with recurrent phaeohyphomycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / microbiology
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Dermatomycoses / diagnosis*
  • Dermatomycoses / immunology
  • Dermatomycoses / surgery
  • Dermatomycoses / therapy
  • Exophiala*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Itraconazole / administration & dosage
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Itraconazole