Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cyphellophora pluriseptata

Abstract

We present the first case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cyphellophora pluriseptata, a fungus described in 1986 by DeVries. The patient was apparently healthy and presented an extensive infiltration of the left ear simulating borderline leprosy. Microscopically a heavy infiltration of lymphocytes admixed with multinucleated giant cells in the dermis was observed in the absence of abscesses. The histopathological diagnosis was achieved through the finding of dematiaceous hyphae. Based on a review of the specific literature the authors discuss the unusual aspects of this case and emphasize the importance of isolating the etiologic agent in cases of phaeohyphomycosis.