Phaeoacremonium species detected in fine needle aspiration: a rare case report

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with rapid on-site evaluation has a great potential for the diagnosis of fungal lesions and other opportunistic infections. Fungal infections have been in increasing trend in the past two decades due to immunosuppression, travel, and environmental exposure. Human disease caused by Phaeoacremonium species is rare and was first reported in 1974 as subcutaneous tissue infection in a renal transplant recipient. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of subcutaneous tissue swelling in a 67-year-old male, wherein FNAC was done with incidental detection of the fungus (Phaeoacremonium spp). CONCLUSION: There are very few reported cases of subcutaneous infection in humans by Phaeoacremonium spp. Clinical suspicion and FNAC can play an important role in early detection of the fungus, prevent spread, and facilitating early treatment.