Disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: report of 23 cases

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Jun;34(4):481-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.02974.x. Epub 2008 Nov 27.

Abstract

Disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We report a series of 23 cases (21 men, two women; median age 29 years) with disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis seen at two hospital centres. Most of the patients (21/23) were classified as stage C3. The most common dermatological findings were papules, crusting plaques, nodules and ulcers, mainly located on the face and chest. Of the 23 cases, 15 (65%) had pulmonary involvement. Amphotericin B and itraconazole were the main drugs used for treatment. Treatment response was variable: four of the patients were cured, six improved and remain stable, nine patients died, and four patients were lost to follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • HIV-1*
  • Histoplasmosis / drug therapy
  • Histoplasmosis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Itraconazole
  • Amphotericin B