Question

A farmer presents you with a cauliflower-shaped mass on foot, which developed after a minor injury. Microscopy shows copper penny bodies. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Chromoblastomycosis
• B. Blastomycosis
• C. Sporotrichosis
• D. Phaeohyphomycosis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The condition described in the problem involves the presentation of a cauliflower-shaped mass on the foot of a farmer, which emerged following a minor injury. Microscopic examination reveals the presence of "copper penny bodies." These pieces of information help in pinpointing the diagnosis.

To analyze the options:

1. Chromoblastomycosis: This is a chronic fungal infection recognizable by warty cutaneous lesions. The presence of "copper penny bodies" or "Medlar bodies" in tissues is a hallmark feature of this condition, which is commonly contracted through traumatic implantation of the fungus.
2. Blastomycosis: Caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, it typically presents with respiratory symptoms and can disseminate, forming cutaneous lesions, but it does not exhibit copper penny bodies.
3. Sporotrichosis: Known as "rose gardener's disease," this results in nodular lesions usually following thorn pricks. It does not lead to the formation of copper penny bodies.
4. Phaeohyphomycosis: A broad group of fungal infections caused by dematiaceous fungi, but they commonly do not form copper penny bodies.

Given the presentation and the presence of copper penny bodies, the most likely diagnosis is Chromoblastomycosis.