Majocchi's granuloma

Abstracts

Relata-se o caso de um homem de 45 anos com dermatofitose superficial de longa data, tratado, inadvertidamente, com corticoide e antibiótico, com progressão subsequente para a forma profunda, conhecida como granuloma de Majocchi. O tratamento com terbinafina VO foi curativo

Corticosteroides; Granuloma; Micoses

IMAGES IN TROPICAL DERMATOLOGY

^IGraduate degree in Dermatology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital - Assistant physician, Dermatology Ward, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

^IISpecialist in Dermatology by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Assistant physician, Outpatient Clinic of General Dermatology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

^IIIMSc and PhD in Dermatology - Professor of Dermatology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

^IVPh.D. in Dermatology - Professor of Dermatology responsible for the Division of Dermatopathology at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

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ABSTRACT

We report the case of a man of 45 with superficial dermatophytosis longtime inadvertently treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids with subsequent progression to the deep form, known as granuloma Majocchi. Treatment with orally terbinafine was successful.

Keywords: Adrenal cortex hormones; Granuloma; Mycoses

Tinea corporis is a dermatophyte infection of the skin of the trunk and extremities (most commonly), usually restricted to the stratum corneum. Its most prevalent pathogen worldwide is Trichophyton rubrum.²

Deep infections rarely form abscesses and ulceration and are usually restricted to the immunocompromised. This condition is known as Majocchi's granuloma (Figures 1 and 2). Its progression may be facilitated by the use of topical or systemic corticosteroids. However, immunosuppression may not be found in some cases of deep dermatophytosis, as in the case of our patient. Its evolution resulted from intermitent and incorrect use of corticosteroids and antibiotics due to wrong diagnosis of psoriasis, eczema and impetigo.

Direct examination and culture of scales or secretion identify the fungus and pathology; see Figure 3, which displays the granuloma with hyphae in the stratum corneum and hyphae or arthroconidea in the hair follicle.

The patient was treated with terbinafine 250mg/day for 1 month, with resolution of the condition.

REFERENCES

• 1. Sobera JO, Elewski BE. Fungal diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP. Dermatology. Spain: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. p. 76:1135-63.
• 2. Gong JQ, Liu XQ, Xu B, Zeng XS, Li XF, Li C. Deep dermatophytosis caused by Tricophyton rubrum: report of two cases. Mycoses. 2007;50:102-8.
• 3. Voisard JJ, Weill FX, Beylot-Barry M, Vergier B, Dromer C, Beylot C. Dermatophytic granuloma caused by Microsporum canis in a heart-lung recipient. Dermatology. 1999;198:317-9.
• 4. Gupta AK, Cooper EA. Update in antifungal therapy of dermatophytosis. Mycopathologia. 2008;166: 353-67.

Majocchi's Granuloma

Aline Lopes Bressan^I; Roberto Souto da Silva^II; João Carlos Macedo Fonseca^III; Maria de Fátima G. Scotelaro Alves^IV

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  27 Sept 2011
• Date of issue
  Aug 2011

History

• Received
  06 May 2010
• Accepted
  24 May 2010