Vulvar histoplasmosis as a rare cause of genital ulceration

Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Aug;122(2 Pt 2):449-452. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31829ce0f1.

Abstract

Background: Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum and primarily presents with pulmonary symptoms. Immunocompromised individuals are at high risk for contracting disseminated histoplasmosis, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Case: We present a case involving a 50-year-old woman with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with an ulcerated vulvar lesion concerning for carcinoma. Extensive workup revealed disseminated histoplasmosis without pulmonary manifestations. She was treated with an extended course of an antifungal agent. Her vulvar lesion resolved.

Conclusion: Vulvar histoplasmosis is a rare etiology of vulvar pathology but one that should be considered in immunocompromised patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Histoplasma
  • Histoplasmosis / complications*
  • Histoplasmosis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Vulvar Diseases / drug therapy
  • Vulvar Diseases / microbiology*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • liposomal amphotericin B
  • Amphotericin B