Cutaneous Fungal Infection With Alternaria in a Patient With Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Successful Treatment With Topical Silver Chloride Gel. Issue 2 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Meara, Conor; Boyanton, Bobby L.; Spurlin, David; Carpenter, Christopher F.
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases in clinical practice. Volume 24:Issue 2(2016:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: cutaneous alternariosis -- silver chloride gel -- myelodysplastic syndrome; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1097/IPC.0000000000000319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-9103

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: We report a case of cutaneous alternariosis in an 80-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome. He developed a small slippery mobile mass in the proximal right middle finger. After excision, the mass revealed suppurative and granulomatous inflammation with negative special stains, possibly representing a ruptured epidermoid cyst or follicle. The biopsy wound did not heal, despite application of antibiotic ointment. Repeat biopsy findings suggested an infectious etiology; special stains were again negative, and the tissue was not sent for culture. The wound persisted, and subsequent deeper biopsy with culture eventually identified Alternaria species as a pathogen. By the time the Alternaria was identified, the patient, on his own initiative, had begun applying a topical over-the-counter silver chloride gel, with significant improvement in the wound. He was advised to continue its application, and within 3 months his wound had completely healed.