title: Macroscopic pigmentation in a dematiaceous fungal keratitis.
abstract: The diagnosis of fungal keratitis can be difficult and is often delayed. The distinction between moniliaceous and dematiaceous (pigmented) keratomycoses is not commonly possible on clinical examination. We report a case of a Curvularia lunata fungal keratitis in a 40-year-old patient who presented with diffuse brown pigmentation throughout the ulcer bed. Histologic staining and growth on Sabourad's dextrose agar demonstrated the brown pigmentation characteristic of this pigmented fungus. We call attention to this clinical pigmentation as a helpful clue in the detection of dematiaceous fungal keratitis.
authors.affiliation: Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine 90024.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Katsev
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Mondino
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Pettit
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D003904:Mitosporic Fungi; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents