Ear Paracoccidioidomycosis: A Case Report

Introduction: Paracoccidioidomycosis is an acute systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphous fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, whose appearance under the microscope is similar to a ship rudder's wheel. Cases of paracoccidioidomycosis are restricted to the American continent and the disease affects mostly male individuals, with no marked tendency to affect any race in particular. Clinical symptoms are varied.

Objective: This study aims to report the case of ear paracoccidioidomycosis.

Case Report: A 60-year-old patient, from farm zone, sought expert service with right otalgia, otorrhea, hearing loss, and appearance of lesion in the external auditory canal, an increase of 3 months. Physical examination showed an ulcerated, vegetanto, and infiltrative lesion occupying the entire diameter of the external auditory meatus externalizing to the pinna. Biopsy of the lesion and requested computed tomography which showed limited damage to the canal. Histopathological findings were consistent with paracoccidioidomycosis. Medical treatment started with clinical improvement.

Conclusion: It is important to have appropriate history and physical examination of patients, performed by different health professionals, particularly doctors to correctly diagnose diseases. As soon as the diagnosis is defined, treatment for the important biopsy for differential diagnosis with other granulomatous lesions and cancer starts.