Eumycotic mycetoma caused byMadurella mycetomatissuccessfully treated with antifungals, surgery, and topical negative pressure therapy

Primary actinomycotic osteomyelitis of metacarpal bones managed successfully with surgical debridement and Welsh regimen

Mycetoma of the hand is a chronic granulomatous disease seen in the tropics and subtropical regions, mainly affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the foot. Primary actinomycotic osteomyelitis involving the metacarpals is rarely reported in the literature. The conventional treatment for actinomycosis has been high-dose penicillin. We report a case of chronic osteomyelitis in the metacarpals of the hand caused by actinomycetes in a woman in her 40s. She underwent surgical intervention in the form of wound debridement and curettage, followed by a 6-month course of Welsh regimen after a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycotic osteomyelitis. This case report underscores the importance of recognising primary actinomycosis as a potential cause of chronic osteomyelitis at unusual sites and highlights the efficacy of combined surgical debridement, biopsy and adequate antibiotic management in consultation with infectious disease specialists in achieving good outcomes.

Reconstructive surgery for mycetoma: Preliminary algorithm and a systematic review

Background

Surgical treatments of mycetoma are a cornerstone in management. However, while doing a wide surgical excision of mycetoma lesion, surgeons think about how to close the skin defect, which can be closed primarily, left to heal by secondary intension, by skin grafts or local flaps. In this review, we demonstrate the various applications and changes of mycetoma reconstruction after surgical excision.

Methods

This is a systematic literature search and review conducted to determine articles presenting mycetoma reconstruction options. Articles were identified, and the time of publication, type of study, time of study, and country of study were checked. Additionally, all patients in those articles were included. Patients' names, sex, clinical presentation, and management were identified.

Results

A total number of 9 articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria; 8 of them are case reports, and 1 is a case series. The first mycetoma reconstruction case was published in 1959. The country of publication varies from tropical and non-tropical countries. The total number of patients found in those articles is 34 patients, most of whom are male. The causative organism is mainly eumycetoma. The site of mycetoma lesions is varied with variable sizes. The reconstruction options used were skin graft and local or regional flaps, where only 1 case underwent a free flap for reconstruction.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of mycetoma should be considered following mycetoma surgery in small or large size defects if skin closure is not feasible and there is no indication for amputation.

Mycetoma and the Community Dermatology Program, Mexico

The Community Dermatology Program established in the state of Guerrero, Mexico for almost 30 y provides an adaptable method of detecting and monitoring skin neglected tropical diseases such as mycetoma, which is endemic in the state. The program utilises general and thematic teaching elements combined with distance learning through teledermatology, direct patient consultations and close collaboration with community teams. Using this approach, a picture of mycetoma in Guerrero has emerged, with a focal hot spot located in the southern part of the state in the Costa Chica region. Although in much of Mexico Nocardia infections dominate, in this area there are also substantial numbers of cases of eumycetoma. This combined approach provides a means of early case detection and long-term surveillance through targeted use of a small specialist team.

Vacuum-Assisted Closure and Skin Grafting Combined with Amphotericin B for Successful Treatment of an Immunocompromised Patient with Cutaneous Mucormycosis Caused by Mucor irregularis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Mucor irregularis (M. irregularis) is a rare condition that typically occurs in immunocompetent patients. Herein, we describe an immunocompromised patient with cutaneous M. irregularis infection who was successfully treated with debridement combined with vacuum assisted closure (VAC) negative pressure technique and split-thickness skin grafting. We present this case owing to its complexity and rarity and the successful treatment with surgical therapy. A 58-year-old man presented to our hospital with a history of skin ulcers and eschar on the right lower leg since two months. He had been receiving methylprednisolone therapy for bullous pemphigoid that occurred five months prior to the present lesions. Histopathological examination of a right leg lesion showed broad, branching hyphae in the dermis. Fungal culture and subsequent molecular cytogenetic analysis identified the pathogen as M. irregularis. After admission, methylprednisolone was gradually tapered and systemic treatment with amphotericin B (total dose 615 mg) initiated along with others supportive therapies. However, the ulcers showed no improvement, and amphotericin B had to be discontinued owing to development of renal dysfunction. After extensive surgical debridement combined with VAC and skin grafting, his skin ulcers were healed; subsequent fungal cultures of the lesions were negative. The patient exhibited no signs of recurrence at 36-month follow-up. Twenty-six cases with M. irregularis-associated cutaneous mucormycosis in literature were reviewed.

Draft Genome Sequences of Three Clinical Isolates of Madurella mycetomatis, the Major Cause of Black-Grain Mycetoma

The draft genomes of three fungal clinical isolates of Madurella mycetomatis from patients with mycetoma are presented. No finished genome is currently available for this important fungus. Therefore, the addition of these new draft genomes will help us better understand the diversity and pathogenicity of this important species.

The draft genomes of three fungal clinical isolates of Madurella mycetomatis from patients with mycetoma are presented. No finished genome is currently available for this important fungus. Therefore, the addition of these new draft genomes will help us better understand the diversity and pathogenicity of this important species.

Treatment of Madura foot: a systematic review

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to determine the best available evidence on the most effective treatment of Madura foot.

INTRODUCTION

Madura foot or mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous soft-tissue infection that is endemic to several regions of Africa and Asia. It may be of fungal (eumycetoma) or bacterial (actinomycetoma) origin, warranting therapy with either antifungal or antibacterial medication as well as surgery. Without timely intervention, it often results in lifelong disability. However, it is unclear what regimes are most effective for treatment.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This review considered studies that included individuals of all ages with Madura foot (actinomycetoma or eumycetoma) as confirmed by microbiological or histological studies. Studies that evaluated antibiotic and antifungal regimens (any drug, dosage, frequency, duration) as well as surgical interventions (wound debridement, advanced excision or limb amputation) for Madura foot were included. Outcomes of interest were disease resolution (as determined by complete healing of mycetoma lesion after treatment), recurrence (return of mycetoma lesion after successful treatment) and mortality. Although this review considered both experimental and epidemiological study designs for inclusion, only case series and individual case reports were identified and were therefore included in the review.

METHODS

A three-step search strategy, involving an initial search, a second more comprehensive search using identified keywords and a third search involving the reference lists of included articles, was utilized. Ten databases were searched. An additional 13 sources were searched for gray and/or unpublished literature. Included studies were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review using standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Disagreements were resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. A data extraction tool was used to extract data on interventions, populations, study designs and outcomes of significance to the review question. Statistical pooling was not possible, therefore a narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were included in the review (27 case reports and four case series). A total of 47 patients with Madura foot were analyzed. Twenty-five had eumycetoma, 21 actinomycetoma and one had both. Therapy involved varying dosages of sulfa drugs (co-trimoxazole and dapsone), amikacin and tetracyclines administered for the therapy of actinomycetoma with resolution of disease in all affected patients. The azole derivatives (itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole and miconazole) as well as co-trimoxazole were the most commonly employed drugs for eumycetoma, with resolution of disease in 88% of included patients. Surgery was performed in a total of 21 patients with resolution of disease in all cases. The overall resolution rate following therapy was 95.7%.

CONCLUSION

Therapy for Madura foot is informed by case series and case reports which provide low level evidence for practice. Antimicrobials in conjunction with surgery lead to resolution of disease.

Reconstructive Surgery for Mycetoma: Is There a Need to Establish an Algorithm?

Background:

Mycetoma is a chronic, progressive, disfiguring, and destructive disease. It caused by a variety of microorganisms including fungi and higher bacteria. It is primarily an infection of the skin and soft tissue, most frequently affecting the lower extremity and the hand and spread through fascial planes and lymphatics.

Methods:

Current medical and surgical management are still inadequate and the recurrence rate is high with severe disabilities.

Results:

This review describes some reconstructive techniques that were performed to address essential aspects with regard to mycetoma surgical management that include coverage of large skin and soft-tissue defects left after local excisions, enhancing the rate of chronic mycetoma wound healing, and preservation or restoration of functional status of the affected limbs.

Conclusion:

These applied techniques—which had acceptable preliminary outcome—have to be considered by the surgeons dealing with mycetoma to improve the functional and cosmetic outcomes and to minimize tremendous morbidities and disabilities that are associated with this neglected disease.

Effective treatment of Madura foot: a systematic review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to determine the best available evidence on the effective treatment of Madura foot. More specifically, the objectives are to identify.

Actinomycetoma-the welsh regimen in a rural Indian scenario

We describe a case of Actinomycetoma foot which presented to us after 3yrs of onset of symptoms.We have attempted a chemotherapeutic treatment regime and are reporting the healing changes that have taken place radiologically and macroscopically. A review of literature has been done of various treatment regimens used for Actinomycetoma foot and used and their practical applications in rural hospital.

Mycetoma or synovial sarcoma? A case report with review of the literature

Mycetoma, also commonly referred to as Madura foot, is statistically rare in the United States. However, it is endemic to other parts of the world. It is a pseudotumor characterized by a triad of tumefaction, draining sinuses, and grains. Two types exist, with each caused by different groups of organisms that require different treatment approaches. Therefore, the exact diagnosis and culture of the organism is vital to successful treatment outcomes. Synovial sarcoma, in contrast, is a malignancy much more commonly seen in the United States. It is characterized by a well-circumscribed, often palpable, mass that is usually well delineated on magnetic resonance imaging. It has characteristic histologic and genetic features that help distinguish it from other soft tissue masses. We present a case of a soft tissue mass diagnosed in the United States. The patient had several clinical and radiographic features of synovial sarcoma but the histologic outcome was mycetoma. The case is followed by a review of the published data.

Difficult mycoses of the skin: advances in the epidemiology and management of eumycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis and chromoblastomycosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Eumycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis and chromoblastomycosis are subcutaneous mycoses having in common the fact that they are acquired as a result of penetrating trauma to the skin and may be caused by a large variety of fungi. This article will review recent data regarding the epidemiology and treatment of these infections.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent epidemiologic observations in these mycoses include an increased incidence of phaeohyphomycosis in immunosuppressed patients, the association of polymorphisms in genes involved in innate immunity, the occurrence of eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis and the nosocomial acquisition of phaeohyphomycosis. The management of these infections continues to be challenging. An approach that involves early diagnosis, the use of systemic antifungal agents and local therapies, including surgical removal of lesions, is the basis of the treatment of these diseases.

SUMMARY

It is crucial that the epidemiology and clinical presentation of these infections are understood if we are to improve their outcomes.

An overview of negative pressure wound therapy for the lower extremity

Since its introduction into the market, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also known as topical negative pressure, has become an important adjuvant therapy for the treatment of many types of wounds. Surgeons and physicians of all subspecialties have adopted NPWT into their practices. NPWT has become a mainstay in the management of lower extremity soft tissue pathology, especially in patients with traumatic, diabetic, postsurgical, and peripheral vascular disease-associated wounds. This article reviews the background, currently understood mechanisms of action, applications, contraindications, reported complications, advantages, criticisms, and techniques in the lower extremity.