# Mycetoma (Madura Foot): A Case Report of Misdiagnosis and Recovery in a Young Patient

## TL;DR

A 13-year-old Sudanese boy with a chronic foot infection was misdiagnosed for two years before recovering after proper diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights mycetoma in a temperate region and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

## Key findings

- Mycetoma was misdiagnosed as an abscess for two years before proper treatment led to recovery.
- Surgical debridement and itraconazole therapy resulted in complete recovery without recurrence.
- The case underscores the need for early diagnosis and aggressive management to prevent complications.

## Abstract

Mycetoma is a chronic infection with a higher incidence in tropical and subtropical nations. We are presenting a rare case of mycetoma in a resident of Sudan, which is a temperate region, along with a short discussion. This case presentation discusses a 13-year-old male with a chronic foot discharge misdiagnosed as an abscess for two years. The condition, characterized by the development of a painless nodule leading to an open wound with purulent discharge, exemplifies the typical progression of actinomycetoma or eumycetoma. Following deep surgical debridement and antifungal therapy with itraconazole, the patient achieved complete recovery without recurrence. Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory process, typically with sinus tract formation secondary to fungal or bacterial pathogens. The most common is the forefoot infection. It is a slowly progressing disease of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue that can spread to the underlying bones. This case highlights the need for proper diagnosis and prompt aggressive management in the treatment of mycetoma, especially in endemic areas. Mycetoma needs to be diagnosed early and adequately, as well as aggressively managed to prevent functional as well as aesthetic damage.