Subcutaneous black fungus (phaeohyphomycosis) infection in renal transplant recipients:three cases.
We describe three cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis developing in the lower limbs of renal transplant recipients shortly after transplantation. Each case presented with dark-colored nodules that subsequently ulcerated. Histopathologic examination revealed dematiaceous fungal hyphae with a surrounding granulomatous reaction. The fungi were subsequently identified as Alternaria alternatum in two cases and Phialophora richardsiae in one case. In one case, the lesions resolved during a prolonged (6-month) course of itraconazole without the requirement for surgical excision. In the other two cases, combined medical and surgical treatment resulted in cure. A review of the literature on phaeohyphomycosis is presented.
Yehia
Maha
M
Auckland Renal Transplant Group, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. mahay@adhb.govt.nz
Thomas
Mark
M
Pilmore
Helen
H
Van Der Merwe
Walter
W
Dittmer
Ian
I
D000368:Aged; D000528:Alternaria; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010676:Phialophora
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole; D000666:Amphotericin B