The Essential Role of PCR and PCR Panel Size in Comparison with Urine Culture in Identification of Polymicrobial and Fastidious Organisms in Patients with Complicated Urinary Tract Infections.

Complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) are difficult to treat, consume substantial resources, and cause increased patient morbidity. Data suggest that cUTI may be caused by polymicrobial and fastidious organisms (PMOs and FOs, respectively); as such, urine culture (UC) may be an unreliable diagnostic tool for detecting cUTIs. We sought to determine the utility of PCR testing for patients presumed to have a cUTI and determine the impact of PCR panel size on organism detection. We reviewed 36,586 specimens from patients with presumptive cUTIs who received both UC and PCR testing. Overall positivity rate for PCR and UC was 52.3% and 33.9%, respectively (p < 0.01). PCR detected more PMO and FO than UC (PMO: 46.2% vs. 3.6%; FO: 31.3% vs. 0.7%, respectively, both p < 0.01). Line-item concordance showed that PCR detected 90.2% of organisms identified by UC whereas UC discovered 31.9% of organisms detected by PCR (p < 0.01). Organism detection increased with expansion in PCR panel size from 5-25 organisms (p < 0.01). Our data show that overall positivity rate and the detection of individual organisms, PMO and FO are significantly with PCR testing and that these advantages are ideally realized with a PCR panel size of 25 or greater.

An Intradermal Spindle Cell Lipoma on the Plantar Hallux in a Patient With Scleroderma and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report.

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a rare variant of lipomas, which predominantly occurs in the regions of shoulder and posterior neck but rarely on the toes. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated increased incidence of cancers in patients with scleroderma. A 28-year-old female with scleroderma and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome developed a painful, skin colored, raised, polypoid lesion on the plantar side of the left hallux for several years. The lesion was surgically excised. Pathological evaluation showed intradermal bland spindle cells associated with delicate ropey/refractile collagen bundles with strong and diffuse cytoplasmic expression of CD34 but negative expression of Rb and S-100, which are consistent with SCL. We report a first case of SCL on the plantar hallux in a young female patient with scleroderma and Ehlers-Danlos disease with clinical presentations, histopathology, and treatment to raise awareness of clinicians to this rare variant of lipomas.

Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor Arising From Nail Bed of the Great Toe: A Rare Case of Recurrence.

A fibro-osseous pseudotumor (FOPT) is a rare, rapidly enlarging, benign soft-tissue neoplasm that presents with localized pain, swelling, and redness. It typically presents in the hands and much less frequently in the feet. FOPT is characterized histologically by foci of osseous differentiation within the proliferated fibroblasts. This must be differentiated from other benign and malignant lesions. FOPT of the toes has been described in a few reports, but recurrence, following surgical excision, is extremely rare. Here we report a young, healthy female patient who presented with a rapidly growing FOPT of the left great toe. This unusual case had recurred twice following surgical excision, all within a 2-month period of time. The lesion was again completely excised, with no recurrences at follow-ups of 18 and 36 months. In conclusion, FOPT is a rare soft tissue lesion of the toes. It features fibroblastic proliferation and osseous differentiation, which needs to be differentiated from other benign and malignant tumors. The standard treatment is complete surgical excision with an excellent prognosis.

Gammaherpesvirus infection and malignant disease in rhesus macaques experimentally infected with SIV or SHIV.

Human gammaherpesviruses are associated with malignancies in HIV infected individuals; in macaques used in non-human primate models of HIV infection, gammaherpesvirus infections also occur. Limited data on prevalence and tumorigenicity of macaque gammaherpesviruses, mostly cross-sectional analyses of small series, are available. We comprehensively examine all three-rhesus macaque gammaherpesviruses -Rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV), Rhesus Lymphocryptovirus (RLCV) and Retroperitoneal Fibromatosis Herpesvirus (RFHV) in macaques experimentally infected with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus or Simian Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV/SHIV) in studies spanning 15 years at the AIDS and Cancer Virus Program of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. We evaluated 18 animals with malignancies (16 lymphomas, one fibrosarcoma and one carcinoma) and 32 controls. We developed real time quantitative PCR assays for each gammaherpesvirus DNA viral load (VL) in malignant and non-tumor tissues; we also characterized the tumors using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Furthermore, we retrospectively quantified gammaherpesvirus DNA VL and SIV/SHIV RNA VL in longitudinally-collected PBMCs and plasma, respectively. One or more gammaherpesviruses were detected in 17 tumors; generally, one was predominant, and the relevant DNA VL in the tumor was very high compared to surrounding tissues. RLCV was predominant in tumors resembling diffuse large B cell lymphomas; in a Burkitt-like lymphoma, RRV was predominant; and in the fibrosarcoma, RFHV was predominant. Median RRV and RLCV PBMC DNA VL were significantly higher in cases than controls; SIV/SHIV VL and RLCV VL were independently associated with cancer. Local regressions showed that longitudinal VL patterns in cases and controls, from SIV infection to necropsy, differed for each gammaherpesvirus: while RFHV VL increased only slightly in all animals, RLCV and RRV VL increased significantly and continued to increase steeply in cases; in controls, VL flattened. In conclusion, the data suggest that gammaherpesviruses may play a significant role in tumorogenesis in macaques infected with immunodeficiency viruses.

PAS stain based histological classification and severity grading of toenail onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a common world-wide health issue. Accurate detection is essential for treatment. Multiple studies have shown that PAS-stain based histological visualization of fungal elements is superior to either direct microscopy with 20% potassium hydroxide, or fungal culture. However, PAS stain based histological classification and severity grading of onychomycosis are lacking in the literature. Here we reported a fungal detection rate of 47.87% based on an analysis of 13,805 toenails processed for H&E and PAS stains over a three year period. Based on the analysis of fungal density, distribution and infiltrating depth level in 858 PAS-positive toenails, we created a novel PAS stain based histological classification system to classify onychomycosis as occult onychomycosis (OO), focal or diffuse subungual onychomycosis (FSO or DSO), focal or diffuse plate onychomycosis (FPO or DPO), focal or diffuse subungual and plate onychomycosis (FSPO or DSPO) and superficial onychomycosis (SO). The severities of OO, FSO and FPO were graded as mild, DSO and DPO as moderate, FSPO and DSPO as severe infections, which revealed that more than 75% PAS positive toenails were severe infections. Evaluation of 97 paired toenails biopsied pre- and post-treatment from 47 patients demonstrated that the severity of infection was significantly reduced from severe to mild and moderate levels. These data indicate that the current histological classification evaluates not only the severity of the fungal infection but also the response to treatment. We further propose a guideline for treatment of onychomycosis based on the histological classification and severity.

Envelope residue 375 substitutions in simian-human immunodeficiency viruses enhance CD4 binding and replication in rhesus macaques.

Most simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs) bearing envelope (Env) glycoproteins from primary HIV-1 strains fail to infect rhesus macaques (RMs). We hypothesized that inefficient Env binding to rhesus CD4 (rhCD4) limits virus entry and replication and could be enhanced by substituting naturally occurring simian immunodeficiency virus Env residues at position 375, which resides at a critical location in the CD4-binding pocket and is under strong positive evolutionary pressure across the broad spectrum of primate lentiviruses. SHIVs containing primary or transmitted/founder HIV-1 subtype A, B, C, or D Envs with genotypic variants at residue 375 were constructed and analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Bulky hydrophobic or basic amino acids substituted for serine-375 enhanced Env affinity for rhCD4, virus entry into cells bearing rhCD4, and virus replication in primary rhCD4 T cells without appreciably affecting antigenicity or antibody-mediated neutralization sensitivity. Twenty-four RMs inoculated with subtype A, B, C, or D SHIVs all became productively infected with different Env375 variants-S, M, Y, H, W, or F-that were differentially selected in different Env backbones. Notably, SHIVs replicated persistently at titers comparable to HIV-1 in humans and elicited autologous neutralizing antibody responses typical of HIV-1. Seven animals succumbed to AIDS. These findings identify Env-rhCD4 binding as a critical determinant for productive SHIV infection in RMs and validate a novel and generalizable strategy for constructing SHIVs with Env glycoproteins of interest, including those that in humans elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies or bind particular Ig germ-line B-cell receptors.

Recurrent Familial Digital Fibrokeratoma: A Case Report.

Digital fibrokeratoma (DF) is an uncommon, benign, soft tissue tumor. It usually occurs sporadically in adult males, and its recurrence is rare when treated by means of surgical removal. To the best of our knowledge, we report here the first case of recurrent female familial DF. The mother's first DF, on her right hallux, was removed when she was 32 years of age, and her second fibrokeratoma, on the left fifth toe, was removed when she was 49 years of age, and then relapsed 3 years later. The daughter's first DF, on her left fifth toe, was excised when the daughter was 24 years of age and recurred 1 year later. Both the mother's and daughter's recurrent lesions were surgically excised and pathologically diagnosed as DF. Because both the mother's and daughter's DF occurred at relatively early ages, we believe that genetic factors might play a role in the tumorigenesis of DF in this family.

Green Tea Polyphenols Inhibit Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Azoxymethane-Treated F344 Rats.

In studying the cancer-preventive activities of green tea polyphenols, we previously demonstrated that dietary administration of polyphenon E (PPE) inhibited the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of azoxymethane (AOM)-treated F344 rats. Herein, we reported cancer-preventive activity of PPE using colorectal cancer as an end point. F344 rats were given two weekly injections of AOM, and then maintained on a 20% high-fat diet with or without 0.24% PPE for 34 wk. In the control group, 83% of rats developed colorectal tumors. Dietary PPE treatment significantly increased the plasma and colonic levels of tea polyphenols, and decreased tumor multiplicity and tumor size. Histological analysis indicated that PPE significantly decreased the incidence of adenocarcinoma, and the multiplicity of adenocarcinoma as well as the multiplicity of adenoma. PPE treatment significantly decreased plasma levels of proinflammatory eicosanoids, prostaglandin E2, and leukotriene B4. It also decreased ß-catenin nuclear expression, induced apoptosis, and increased expression levels of RXRα, ß, and γ in adenocarcinomas. In conclusion, our results convincingly demonstrated the inhibitory effects of orally administered PPE on colon carcinogenesis in AOM-treated rats and suggested possible biomarkers for the biological effects of green tea polyphenols.

SIV-induced Translocation of Bacterial Products in the Liver Mobilizes Myeloid Dendritic and Natural Killer Cells Associated With Liver Damage.

Disruption of the mucosal epithelium during lentivirus infections permits translocation of microbial products into circulation, causing immune activation and driving disease. Although the liver directly filters blood from the intestine and is the first line of defense against gut-derived antigens, the effects of microbial products on the liver are unclear. In livers of normal macaques, minute levels of bacterial products were detectable, but increased 20-fold in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected animals. Increased microbial products in the liver induced production of the chemoattractant CXCL16 by myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), causing subsequent recruitment of hypercytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells expressing the CXCL16 receptor, CXCR6. Microbial accumulation, mDC activation, and cytotoxic NK cell frequencies were significantly correlated with markers of liver damage, and SIV-infected animals consistently had evidence of hepatitis and fibrosis. Collectively, these data indicate that SIV-associated accumulation of microbial products in the liver initiates a cascade of innate immune activation, resulting in liver damage.

Dermatofibromas on the Foot and Ankle: A Clinicopathologic Characterization of 31 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibroma (DF) is a common benign soft-tissue tumor. It occurs anywhere on the body but is commonly seen on the upper and lower extremities. It is frequently found in young to middle-aged adults and predominantly in females. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with DF on the foot and ankle diagnosed and treated during a 6-year period were characterized. RESULTS: The patients (16 males, 15 females) were aged 7 to 75 years (average, 55 years). Clinically, 17 patients noted painful symptoms, and 14 were painless. Grossly, DF manifested as a raised red, pink, tan, or skin-colored soft mass. The tumor size ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 cm (average, 0.67 cm in diameter). Twenty-six DFs (84%) were localized on the dorsal surface of the foot and ankle, and five (16%) were found on the plantar aspect. Eighteen patients were treated by surgical excision of the tumor (>0.5 cm), and 13 patients had observational follow-up after punch biopsy due to the small size (≤0.5 cm) and benign nature of these lesions. Further follow-up found that only one patient (3.2%) had a local recurrence, 37 months after surgical excision, which was completely reexcised. Histologically, DF is characterized by proliferation of spindle fibroblasts and histiocytes, in a vague fascicular pattern, and thickened collagen bundles. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatofibroma on the foot and ankle predominantly occurs in patients in their 50s, without a preponderance by sex. It needs to be differentiated from other benign and malignant tumors with histologic analysis and immunostaining with factor XIIIa, CD68, and other biomarkers. Treatment options include either surgical excision or observational follow-up after biopsy, depending on the clinical characteristics and effect on functional activity.

Periungual Amelanocytic Malignant Melanoma with Osteocartilaginous Differentiation of the Right Hallux: A Case Report.

Malignant melanoma with osteocartilaginous differentiation is extremely rare. We report a case of periungual osteocartilaginous melanoma (OCM) on the right hallux. A 59-year-old man presented with a rapidly growing mass with drainage on his right great toe after treatment of ingrown toenail and infection 3 months earlier. Physical examination showed a 2.0×1.5×1.0-cm, malodorous, erythematous, dusky, granuloma-like mass along the fibular border of the right hallux. Pathologic evaluation of the excisional biopsy revealed diffuse epithelioid and chondroblastoma-like melanocytes with atypia and pleomorphism in the dermis with strong SOX10 immunostaining. The lesion was diagnosed as osteocartilaginous melanoma. The patient was referred to a surgical oncologist for further treatment. Osteocartilaginous melanoma is a rare variant of malignant melanoma that needs to be differentiated from chondroblastoma and other lesions. Immunostains for SOX10, H3K36M, and SATB2 are helpful for the differential diagnosis.

A Subungual Nevoid Melanoma of the Right Hallux from a 65-Year-Old Man: A Case Report.

Nevoid melanoma (NeM) is a rare variant of malignant melanoma characterized by slight cellular atypia, polymorphism, and incomplete maturation. It most frequently occurs on the trunk and arms but rarely on the foot. Here, we report a subungual NeM of the right hallux. A 65-year-old man presented with severe pain of 6 months' duration to his right great toe following self-treatment for an ingrown nail. He was evaluated and treated with debridement of the toenail at an urgent medical center 3 months prior. However, this had not relieved his pain. The patient also noticed discoloration of his distal great toe over the past 3 months. Removal of part of the ingrown nail revealed a pigmented mass extending distally from the matrix. Surgical excision of the mass was performed because of the concern for malignancy. The diagnosis of NeM was based on histologic analysis along with enhanced diagnostic modalities. The patient was further treated with surgical amputation of the great toe and anti-programmed cell death-1 therapy. The patient had no relapse at 1-year follow-up. Nevoid melanoma is a rare variant of malignant melanoma on the toes, which needs to be differentiated from a nevus with atypia, with a variety of modalities including cellular and molecular profiling. The optimal treatment is amputation.

Lipomas of the Toes: An Eight-Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Lipomas, derived from adipose tissue, most frequently occur in the cephalic regions and proximal extremities, but rarely in the toes. We aimed to highlight the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of lipomas of the toes. METHODS: We analyzed 8 patients with lipomas of the toes who were diagnosed and treated during a 5-year period. RESULTS: Lipomas of the toes were equally distributed by sex. Patients ranged in age from 28 to 67 years (mean age, 51.75 years). Six patients (75%) had a single lesion, and all of the patients developed lipomas on the hallux. Most patients (75%) presented with a painless, subcutaneous, slow-growing mass. The duration from symptom onset to surgical excision ranged from 1 month to 20 years (mean, 52.75 months). Lipoma size varied from 0.4 to 3.9 cm in diameter (mean, 1.6 cm). Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-encapsulated mass with hyperintense signal on T1-weighted images and hypointense signal on T2-weighted images. All of the patients were treated with surgical excision, and no recurrences were found at mean follow-up of 38.5 months. Six patients were diagnosed as having typical lipomas, one a fibrolipoma, and one a spindle cell lipoma, which needs to be differentiated from other benign and malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Lipomas of the toes are rare, slow-growing, painless, subcutaneous tumors. Men and women are equally affected, usually in their 50s. Magnetic resonance imaging is the favored modality for presurgical diagnosis and planning. Complete surgical excision is the optimal treatment, with rare recurrence.

Clinicopathologic Characterization of Kaposi Sarcoma on the Foot and Ankle: Analysis of 11 Patients Seen in Our Clinics.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) has multiple clinical variants, and most frequently presents on the lower extremities. Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy has significantly reduced the incidence of KS. However, KS is still prevalent in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients. This case series analysis aims to reveal the clinical presentations, differential diagnosis, and treatment options of KS on the foot and ankle. METHODS: Eleven cases of KS involving the foot and ankle were retrieved from our patient database, and their clinicopathologic features were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients were men, aged 29 to 85 years. Two types of KS were found: classic and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated epidemic. The average ages of classic and epidemic KS were 65.7 and 41.8 years, respectively. Clinically, three patients manifested multiple erythematous or deep violaceous, or blue-violaceous macules on either the dorsal or plantar surfaces of both feet. Eight patients showed exophytic, pyogenic granuloma-like nodules on the plantar surface, heels, and toes. Histologically, all KSs had uniform intervening fascicles of elongated spindle cells with slit-like vascular spaces filled with red blood cells and immunoreactivity with human herpesvirus-8. The patients were treated according to HIV infection status. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients were treated with anti-HIV therapy after primary surgical excision or biopsy. Human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients were treated with either surgical excision, Mohs surgery, or a combination of surgical excision and local radiotherapy according to individual patient clinical presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Kaposi sarcoma is still prevalent in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients with a variety of clinical presentations. Biopsy, with histologic evaluation, in combination with immunohistochemistry is essential for the differential diagnosis. The patient should be treated according their clinical manifestation, staging, comorbidity, and immune function.

Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type on the Dorsal Foot in a Senior Woman: A Case Report.

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) is a rare variant of the cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, with rapid growth and poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of PCDLBCL-LT on the foot in a senior woman. An 81-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing mass on her left foot, and discoloration in both lower legs over the past 2 months was analyzed. Physical examination revealed hyperpigmented macules and papules on both lower extremities and a 3.0 × 2.0 × 0.5-cm, gray-dark nodule on the dorsal surface of the left foot. Histologic observation of the punch biopsy specimen revealed a sheet of atypical large centroblast/immunoblast-like lymphocytes; diffusely and evenly distributed in the dermis; with the immunophenotypes of CD45-positive, CD20-positive, Melan A-negative, Sox10-negative, S-100-negative, and CK20-negative; and a very high Ki-67 proliferative index (>90%). Further punch biopsy specimens of papules in the patient's lower extremities and bone marrow did not reveal atypical lymphoid tissues. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography did not show any metastatic lesions in distant organs and lymph nodes. The lesion was diagnosed as PCDLBCL-LT stage T1N0M0. The patient was treated with four cycles of combined therapy of rituximab and cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine (Oncovin), and prednisolone and the tumor was further treated with local radiotherapy. The tumor size was significantly shrunken. Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type is a rare entity on the foot, characterized by a confluent sheet of diffuse large centroblast- and or immunoblast-like B cells with B-cell immunophenotyping. The combined therapy of rituximab and cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine (Oncovin), and prednisolone is the first-line treatment regimen, with increased survival.

The Pedal Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycotic Cyst in an Immunocompetent Adult Man: A Case Report.

Phaeohyphomycosis is a spectrum of subcutaneous and systemic infections caused by a variety of dematiaceous fungi. It is an opportunistic disease with an increased incidence in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a pedal phaeohyphomycotic cyst in an immunocompetent adult male immigrant with the goal of highlighting its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and optimal treatment. A 57-year-old male immigrant from Panama presented with a painless, gradually increasing, large cystic lesion in his left foot, first intermetatarsal space, which had been present for many years. The patient was treated with surgical excision without antifungal therapy. Histologic analysis showed multiple granulomas composed of fibrin and necrosis in the centers surrounded by proliferative palisading fibroblasts admixed with heavily infiltrated neutrophils, plasma cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Periodic acid-Schiff and Fontana-Masson stains revealed sporadic, scattered dematiaceous fungal hyphae and pseudohyphae among granulomatous tissues. The mass was diagnosed as a phaeohyphomycotic cyst. Polymerase chain reaction-based sequencing failed to identify the fungal species because of the rarity of the fungal elements in the granulomatous tissues. The patient had no recurrence at a follow-up of 2 years. A phaeohyphomycotic cyst is a rare entity that needs to be differentiated from other benign and malignant lesions. Multiple modalities, including clinical evaluation, radiography, histologic analysis, microbiological culture, and nucleic acid sequencing, should be used for the final diagnosis. Surgical excision is an optimal treatment. Antifungal therapy should be considered based on the patient's clinical manifestation, surgical excision, and immune functional status.

Mycetoma: Development of Diagnosis and Treatment.

Mycetoma describes a heterogeneous group of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections caused by either fungi (eumycetomas) or bacteria (actinomycetomas). It is characterized by a triad of clinical symptoms: painless subcutaneous tumor-like swelling, multiple sinuses and fistulas, and discharged grains in pus. This predominantly affects the feet in more than 70% of patients. It is endemic in the "mycetoma belt" regions, including Africa, South America, and South Asia. Autochthonous mycetoma is rare in the United States of America (USA). We recently reported a Latin American immigrant with eumycetoma in the State of Maryland, USA. With millions of immigrants from endemic regions, the true number of mycetomas in the USA is most likely higher than currently recognized. With the aim to raise the awareness of clinicians about mycetoma, especially dermatologists and podiatrists, we update the development of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of mycetoma.

Subungual Exostosis on the Right Hallux.

Subungual exostosis (SE) is a benign, relatively uncommon bony growth underneath the nails of the distal phalanx of toes or fingers, with a majority on the toes. Clinically, it has two subvariants-protruded and nonprotruded growths from nail plates-which are treated differently. In this article, we report a case of protruded SE in a teenager with illustrative surgical excision. A 15-year-old boy presented with a painful growth on his right great toe of 6 months' duration. Physical examination revealed a 1-cm-diameter, solid, erythematous, rough, irregular growth penetrating through the skin along the dorsolateral nail bed of the right hallux with deformity of the lateral nail plate. Radiographs showed an elevated mass over the distal phalanx of the right lateral hallux. The mass was surgically excised and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of SE. The patient had no relapse or recurrence at follow-ups of 6 and 18 months. Subungual exostosis is a relatively uncommon bony growth in the toes. Radiography is favored for the diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is the optimal treatment, with rare recurrence. It needs to be differentiated from other bony lesions, including bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, myositis ossificans, fibro-osseous pseudotumor, osteochondroma, and enchondroma.

Eumycetoma, A Neglected Tropical Disease in the United States.

Eumycetoma, caused by fungi, is a neglected tropical disease. It is endemic in the "mycetoma belt" countries but rare in North America. We report a case of pedal eumycetoma in the state of Maryland. A 51-year-old male immigrant from Guatemala presented with multiple, enlarging nodules on the dorsal surface of his left great toe present for 1 year, and a new one in the left arch area present for 6 months. The nodular lesions were surgically excised in two separate operations. Pathologic evaluation of all nodules revealed eumycetomas characterized by the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, showing an amorphous eosinophilic center filled with numerous fungal hyphae, observed on periodic acid-Schiff-stained slides, with a surrounding cuff of neutrophils. Polymerase chain reaction-based sequencing identified Cladosporium cladosporioides in the tissues. The patient was further treated with oral fluconazole for 2 months. The patient recovered well postoperatively and had no recurrence at 20-month follow-up. In conclusion, even though eumycetoma is regarded as a rare disease in North America, its incidence may be higher than reported because of millions of immigrants from endemic regions in the United States, which highlights the need to raise awareness of this devastating disease in the medical community. Eumycetoma needs to be differentiated from other infectious and noninfectious benign and malignant lesions. Optimal treatment includes surgical excision with antifungal therapy.

Molluscum Contagiosum on the Sole of the Foot in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Molluscum contagiosum (MC) presents as skin-colored, dome-shaped, umbilicated papules or nodules on the skin and is caused by the MC virus. It predominantly occurs in school-aged children and mainly affects the face, neck, and central regions of the body but, rarely, the soles of feet are affected. Here, we describe the case of a 71-year-old woman with MC on the plantar heel. CASE REPORT A 71-year-old woman presented with a 3-mm, pale, pearly, round, verrucoid lesion along the plantar central aspect of the left heel, present for 1 week. Histopathological evaluation of the excisional biopsy revealed several clusters of hyperplastic keratinocytes containing lobulated, eosinophilic, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies inverted into the dermal layer, which was diagnosed as MC. CONCLUSIONS MC on the plantar heel is a rare, atypical presentation that needs to be differentiated from viral warts and other diseases.