Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis

Background:Coccidioides immitis is a soil-dwelling fungus found in arid regions of the Western Hemisphere. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is a histopathologic pattern that may be a reactive manifestation of diverse systemic diseases. Objective: Our purpose was to describe clinical and histopathologic findings in 5 patients who presented with interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Methods: Medical records and skin biopsy slides from 5 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: In each patient, edematous papules, nodules, and plaques developed abruptly during the onset of an acute febrile illness. Coccidioidomycosis was confirmed by serology. Skin biopsy specimens revealed interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with neutrophils, leukocytoclasis, and eosinophils. Fungal stains (5/5 cases) and fungal cultures (2/2 cases) revealed no organisms within the skin biopsy specimens. Conclusion: Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis may be a presenting feature of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and may possibly represent a reactive manifestation of the infection. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:840-5.)