Madura foot: atypical finding and case presentation

J Foot Ankle Surg. 2004 Sep-Oct;43(5):327-31. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2004.07.002.

Abstract

Mycetomas are chronic, subcutaneous infections characterized by a clinical triad of chronic induration, draining sinuses, and discharge of granules. The granules are composed of colonies of either actinomycotic bacteria or eumycotic fungi. The infection develops after traumatic inoculation with contaminated soil and progresses to adjacent tissues or bone. The foot, hand, and lower-leg regions are the most commonly affected areas. Treatment can be difficult and includes surgical debridement with prolonged antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Mycetomas are primarily found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and are relatively rare in the United States. A case of indigenously obtained actinomycoses that was successfully treated with surgical resection and long-term antibiotic therapy is presented. This case is unique because of the rarity of contracting this type of infection in the United States. Mycetomas have been reported in southern states, but there are no reported cases of obtaining this pathogen in Michigan. This case stresses the need for clinical suspicion of this rare dermatosis, especially considering the increase in immigration to the United States.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Foot Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Foot Diseases / drug therapy
  • Foot Diseases / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Michigan
  • Mycetoma / diagnosis*
  • Mycetoma / drug therapy
  • Mycetoma / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents