Coccidioidomycosis lymphadenopathy: an unusual presentation

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Jul 18;16(7):e253740. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253740.

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is known to occur around the western hemisphere. In tropical countries, the clinical presentation is atypical presenting with a superficial abscess preceded by respiratory tract involvement often mimicking tuberculosis. Eliciting a history of exposure and high suspicion is imperative for early diagnosis.In the present case report, a man in his early 30s presented with complaints of swelling over the neck for the past 2 months with a recent travel history. With a provisional clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis, a biopsy of the swelling revealed features of granulomas with non-caseating necrosis with Coccidioidomycosis organisms demonstrated by fungal stains. Fungal culture and serology reiterated Coccidioides and he recovered after a course of fluconazole.The case report concludes with a statement that Coccidioidomycosis is known to manifest with lymphadenitis mimicking tuberculosis and must be taken into account as one of the differentials. The current report is presented for its rarity in India with atypical presentation.

Keywords: infections; infectious diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Coccidioides
  • Coccidioidomycosis* / diagnosis
  • Coccidioidomycosis* / drug therapy
  • Coccidioidomycosis* / microbiology
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lymphadenopathy* / drug therapy
  • Male

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole