A Rare Case of Basidiobolomycosis that has an Excellent Response with Itraconazole: Case Report

Abstract

Background: Basidiobolomycosis caused by Basidiobolus ranarum is a rare fungal infection of the subcutaneous tissues in immunocompetent patients. Primary physicians often misdiagnose the condition because its slow, painless, relentless growth, absence of response to antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs and unfamiliarity with these lesions. Case: A 23 years-old men was consulted from pulmonary department with progressive painless, nontender multiple nodules and swelling over his back, chest and arm in the last 1,5 year ago which was initially misdiagnosed as cutaneous tuberculosis. Extensive investigation performed with excision biopsy and culture examination revealed the presence of Basidiobolus ranarum. After initiating antifungal therapy with itraconazole, the patient’s clinical condition improved significantly. Conclusion: Basidiobolomycosis is a potentially curable disease, but the possibility of misdiagnosed is high. Early diagnosis and awarenessis of this entity are very important. There was dramatic improvement after 4 weeks of oral itraconazole 400 mg daily and complete resolution of the lession occurred after 12 weeks of the treatment.