Multifocal cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by with clinical resolution in an immunocompromised cat.

CASE SUMMARY

A 3-year-old neutered domestic shorthair cat with a long history of idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia treated with ciclosporin and prednisolone was referred 2 months after the appearance of nodular dermatitis. A single pigmented nodule was present in the lateral carpal region of the right foreleg. The lesion was 7 mm in diameter, non-exudative and cutaneous to subcutaneous. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass revealed the presence of pigmented fungal elements. Excisional surgery was planned; in the meantime, a plaque-like lesion developed in the interorbital region. Histopathological examination confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis, and was identified as the aetiological agent. Itraconazole, given orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 8 weeks following surgery, enabled clinical resolution despite continued use of immunosuppressants. The follow-up was carried out over 14 weeks.

RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION

This case report provides the first evidence of multifocal cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by with clinical resolution after combined surgical and itraconazole treatment in an immunocompromised cat.