title: Dermatophytic Pseudomycetoma of the Scalp.
abstract: Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma represents a chronic infection characterized by a tumor-like growth containing dermatophytes arranged as clustered aggregates (grains) within the dermis. In contrast to mycetomas, they lack sinus tracts and are more common in the scalp. We describe a dermatophytic pseudomycetoma arising in the scalp of an 18-year-old African-American woman. Histopathologic examination showed a dense, mixed-cell infiltrate expanding the dermis. Accompanying this infiltrate were numerous grains scattered throughout the dermis. No sinus tracts were identified, but a number of grains were seen in the epidermal surface, admixed with serum crust. Recognition of a dermatophytic infection as a pseudomycetoma on a biopsy is important, as surgery may be required for a successful treatment.
authors.affiliation: Departments of *Pathology, and †Dermatology, Baylor Scott and White Healthcare, Temple, TX.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castro-Echeverry
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fiala
authors.forename: Martin P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Fernandez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014005:Tinea / Q000473:pathology*