Pleomorphic and Widespread Lesions of Phaeohyphomycosis in a Leprosy Patient on Corticosteroid

Role of cytopathology in diagnosing phaeohyphomycosis masquerading as nerve abscess in a lepromatous leprosy patient: A case report

“…Phaeohyphomycosis is described as infection by dematiaceous fungi of Exophiala, Alternaria, Cladophialophora, Lomentospora and Curvularia genera [ 8 ]. Cutaneous involvement can present as papules, nodules, non-healing ulcers, abscess, cysts and sinues [ 1 ]. Patients with immunosuppression (primary or secondary), residence in tropical and temperate climates and agricultural work are predisposed to infection.…”

“…Cystic lesions commonly encountered in leprosy are nerve abscess, or bone cyst and phaeohyphomycotic cysts rarely [ 1 , 9 , 12 ]. FNAC with special staining helps in confirming diagnosis.…”

“…In phaeohyphomycosis, aspirate reveals melanized toruloid septate fungal hyphae as noted in Exophiala . They require excision and antifungal therapy [ 1 , 13 ].…”

“…Rarely verrucous plaques and pustules can occur in phaeohyphomycosis. Pleomorphic and widespread lesions in a single patient are rare and are usually seen in immunocompromised cases [ 1 ].…”