Korean J Pathol.
2008 Aug;42(4):223-225.
A Case Report of Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Pathology, InJe University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea. changsh@ilsanpaik.ac.kr
- 2Department of Dermatology, InJe University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
- 3Department of Internal Medicine, InJe University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
Abstract
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Coccidioidomycosis, which results from inhaling the spores of Coccidioides species, is endemic in the southwestern United States. The primary infection site is the lung, and dissemination of the disease can occur. We report a case of cutaneous coccidioidomycosis in a 79-year-old Korean woman who presented with purpura on both lower extremities, but no pulmonary symptoms and no history of visiting an endemic area. Microscopically, skin biopsy showed multiple aggregates of granulomas in the dermis. Numerous multinucleated giant cells were associated with the granulomas. Mature and immature fungal spherules, which were 20 to 30 micrometer in diameter, were present inside and outside the multinucleated giant cells.