Abstract

Mycetoma is a chronic infection of underlying fungal (eumycetoma) or bacterial (actinomycetoma) origin. It is characterised by a clinical triad of tumour-like swelling, actively draining sinuses and macroscopic grains of characteristic colours.

We the case of a 66-year-old woman on immunosuppressive therapy presenting with eumycetoma of the foot (Madura foot). The fungal organism cultured was Acrophialophora fusispora.

This case was managed with a combination of extensive surgical debridement, and packing with calcium sulfate (Stimulan) beads impregnated with vancomycin and voriconazole. As far as the authors are aware, this is a novel adjunct to the surgical treatment of deep fungal infection in the foot.

Eumycetoma treated with surgery and oral antifungal therapy leads to cure rates of 25%–35%. This novel treatment seems to bear further investigation for the potential to improve cure rates. At 8 months follow-up, our patient appears to be making good progress with no current signs of recurrence.