Disseminated blastomycosis with cutaneous involvement in a young man in Ottawa, Canada

Abstract

Figures

a](#vzae016-F1)). Biopsy revealed fungal organisms in giant cells ([Figure 1b](#vzae016-F1)), highlighted by silver staining ([Figure 1c](#vzae016-F1)). He was treated with itraconazole for 6 months with follow-up. Early recognition and treatment are essential in preventing complications of blastomycosis.

Full text

Dear Editor, Blastomycosis is a deep fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, typically starting in the lungs and potentially spreading to the skin.^1^ Diagnosis of skin lesions is challenging due to similarity to inflammatory and infectious dermatoses.^2^ A healthy 26-year-old man with a cough and pleuritic pain showed consolidation on X-ray and was initially treated for pneumonia. One month later, he developed crusted verrucous plaques (Figure 1a). Biopsy revealed fungal organisms in giant cells (Figure 1b), highlighted by silver staining (Figure 1c). He was treated with itraconazole for 6 months with follow-up. Early recognition and treatment are essential in preventing complications of blastomycosis.