Extensive chromoblastomycosis caused by<i>Fonsecaea pedrosoi</i>successfully treated with a combination of amphotericin B and itraconazole

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic infection caused by dematiaceous (dark-colored) fungi which affect the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and is characterized by a wide variety of clinical and dermatological features including papillomatous, verrucous and vegetating lesions. Although it has been described world-wide, most cases originate in tropical and sub-tropical areas. In general, present treatments of the disease are unsatisfactory as one of the most common etiologic agents, Fonsecaea pedrosoi is difficult to manage from a therapeutic point of view. We report a case of extensive chromoblastomycosis of 22 years duration caused by F. pedrosoi and review the clinical course, diagnosis and management of this disease.