Histoplasmosis mimicking non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a 40-year-old man with AIDS

Abstract

In patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), advanced immunosuppression is associated with atypical presentation of dermatological conditions. Our patient presented with a single crusted plaque over the lower lip and large tender cervical lymphadenopathy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human immunodeficiency virus was found to be positive, and his CD4+ lymphocyte cell count was 4 cells/mm³. The presence of multiple histoplasma spores in the biopsies from the crusted plaque over lip and cervical lymph node helped in the confirmation of the diagnosis of histoplasmosis, and the patient showed significant improvement within two months of treatment with conventional injection amphotericin B initially followed by oral itraconazole.