Exophiala fungal arthritis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/rbps.v26isupl_3.08Keywords:
Septic arthritis, Immunosuppression, Phaeohyphomycosis, ExophialaAbstract
Introduction: Fungi of the genus Exophiala sp are found in soil and organic matter. They have low virulence and are generally symptomatic in immunosuppressed individuals. The main clinical manifestations are cutaneous or subcutaneous alterations, with joint involvement being rare. Case report: We report a case of a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), on immunosuppressive therapy, presenting with chronic monoarthritis of the left wrist, with a diagnosis of septic arthritis caused by a fungus of the genus Exophiala sp, evidenced by histopathological analysis, culture and colony micromorphology of the synovial fluid. Conclusion: This is the first case reported in the literature of a SLE patient with joint involvement caused by Exophiala sp. Histopathology and culture are the gold standard for the precise diagnosis of fungal monoarthritis. Early diagnosis is essential due to the risk of chronicity and poor joint prognosis in patients who do not receive specific treatment.
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