Cutaneous toxoplasmosis histologically mimicking graft-versus-host disease

Am J Dermatopathol. 2008 Oct;30(5):492-3. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0b013e3181837952.

Abstract

The dermatology service is frequently consulted to assess cutaneous eruptions after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We describe a case of cutaneous toxoplasmosis in a stem cell transplant patient where toxoplasmosis trophozoites elicited a reaction pattern mimicking an interface dermatitis. At first blush, these findings may be misinterpreted as either a reaction to a drug or graft-versus-host disease. We hope that this case will prove helpful for dermatopathologists in asserting the correct diagnosis of cutaneous toxoplasmosis-if left untreated or treated incorrectly, this disease has a dismal prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy
  • Skin / parasitology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Parasitic / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Parasitic / pathology
  • Toxoplasma / pathogenicity
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis / pathology