Chronic fistula of the forefoot in a Moroccan man: bone chromomycosis due to Phialophora verrucosa

Chromomycosis is a chronic infection caused by various fungi. Bone involvement is exceptional. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of chromoblastomycosis localized on the tarsal bone in a 27-year-old man from southern Morocco. The patient was a former barefoot long-distance runner. He presented with thickening of the skin with a cutaneous fistula on the left forefoot. These manifestations had been ongoing for 2 years. Imaging demonstrated scattered lytic lesions involving tarsal bone and the base of the third metatarsus. Definitive diagnosis was based on direct mycological examination and anatomopathology. Medical and surgical treatment led to stabilization of the lesions. No recurrence was observed during follow-up examination two years later.