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Biomedical subjects

E M Difonzo

Publications and source records attributed to E M Difonzo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Onychomycosis caused by Alternaria spp. in Tuscany, Italy from 1985 to 1999.

Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Alternaria spp. is reported with increasing frequency, especially in patients with immune deficiency. Onychomycosis caused by this mould is still rarely observed. Here we report nine cases observed in Tuscany in the period 1985-99; the agent was Alternaria alternata in eight cases and Alternaria chlamidospora in one. Diagnosis was made on the basis of repeated direct microscopic mycological examination and culture, confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation of fragments of colonies. In most cases, the clinical manifestations were dystrophy and distal subungual hyperkeratosis of one or two nails of the feet or hands. Seven cases were treated with oral itraconazole, successfully in six cases, as clinical and mycological recovery was confirmed at follow-up 1 year later.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton violaceum in Tuscany from 1985 to 1997.

We describe 45 cases of dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton violaceum diagnosed in Tuscany from 1985 to 1997. Diagnosis was based on direct microscope mycological examination and culture. Nine of the 45 patients were Italian, eight of whom were born and resident in Tuscany; the others were Africans who contracted the infection in their country of origin. The first case in a non-European was observed in 1985, but since 1991 isolation from foreigners has become more frequent. The increase in cases of infection by T. violaceum in our region is certainly linked to immigration. The cases of epidermomycosis in Tuscans suggests that the fungus has already become autochthonous.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Two cases of tinea pedis caused by Scytalidium hyalinum.

Two cases of tinea pedis due to Scytalidium hyalinum, the first to be described in Italy, are reported. The patients were a 41-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man who had spent periods in the Caribbean. The clinical manifestations were indistinguishable from those caused by dermatophytes. In the women they were striking with 'moccasin foot' type lesions, whereas in the man they were less evident, with minor plantar desquamation and interdigital maceration. Diagnosis was based on direct mycological microscopic examination and culture. Clinical and mycological remission were obtained with systemic itraconazole therapy. These cases are reported because infections caused by Scytalidium hyalinum are rare in Europe and their clinical and mycological diagnosis, as well as therapy, may be problematic.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Skin and nail infections due to Fusarium oxysporum in Tuscany, Italy.

Nine cases of skin and nail infection due to Fusarium oxysporum, diagnosed in Tuscany in the period 1985-97, are described. Two manifested as interdigital intertrigo of the feet and seven as onychomycosis. All were diagnosed on the basis of repeated mycological examination, direct microscope observation and culture, as well as histological examination of biopsy specimens in two cases of intertrigo. Fragments of the fungal colonies were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for more detailed observation of fungal morphology. All patients had normal immune status and a history of the infection extending several years. Four of the patients with onychomycosis were treated with oral itraconazole, and clinical and mycological recovery was achieved in three cases. Two others were treated with cyclopyrox nail lacquer, successfully in one case. One patient with intertrigo was treated with oral itraconazole and one with oral terbinafine; both were also treated and with topical drugs, however clinical recovery was not confirmed by the mycological results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Two cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alternata and Alternaria tenuissima.

Two cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, one with a nodular appearance and the other with an erythematous infiltrating patch, are reported in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis was based on histological examination, which revealed hyphae and round-shaped fungal cells in a granulomatous dermal infiltrate, and on identification of the moulds when biopsy fragments were cultured on Sabouraud-dextrose agar without cycloheximide. The pathogens were Alternaria tenuissima in the first case and A. alternata in the second. The fungi were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The patients were checked for bone and lung involvement and were then treated with surgical excision and itraconazole, and itraconazole only, respectively, with clinical and mycological resolution.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Universal dermatophytosis (tinea incognito) caused by Trichophyton rubrum].

An 84-year-old male presented with a dermatophyte infection that had spread over nearly the entire body surface. The first signs had developed 48 years before. After treatment with galenic and corticosteroid preparations for diagnoses of "eczema" and "psoriasis", the lesions gradually extended over the body and to the nails. The cutaneous symptoms had worsened in recent year after the patient had started systemic cortisone treatment for bronchial asthma. He also developed diabetes mellitus, papulonodular lesions on the face and limbs, thinning of his hair and eyebrows and hyperkeratosis of the soles and palms.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Epidemiology of the dermatophytoses in the Florence area of Italy: 1985-1990. Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum gypseum infections.

Between 1985 and 1990 we observed 2085 cases of dermatophytoses in the Florence area of Italy. Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis were the major etiological agents. 126 cases of dermatophytoses observed during this period were caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Most of the patients came from rural areas or they kept pets. Epidermophyton floccosum ranked fourth in frequency (95 cases). The patients were adults and mainly males, most of whom engaged in sports or lived in group environments. Microsporum gypseum was isolated in 31 cases. Infections occurred directly from contact with soil or domestic animals. We report the principal clinical data concerning these last three dermatophyte infections.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Yellow, but healthy. Report of 4 cases of diet-induced carotenosis].

Four women who had been following a "healthy" diet based on carrots and citrus fruits for some time presented with yellow-tinged skin. All four patients had high carotene levels in the blood, and three were also found to have slightly increased vitamin A levels. The other laboratory test results were normal. They were prescribed diets that did not contain carotene-rich foods, and both skin colour and laboratory tests returned to normal.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Benign symmetric lipomatosis].

Benign symmetric lipomatosis is a rare disease that predominantly affects males. A close correlation with alcohol and nicotine abuse, metabolic disturbances and malignant tumours of the upper airways has been observed. We report the case of a 61-year-old female patient whose first clinical lesions had appeared more than 30 years earlier. The huge enlargement of fatty tissue had also involved her face. Case history, laboratory findings and radiological and ultrasound examinations allowed us to exclude metabolic disturbances and associated diseases.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1991

[Tinea corporis caused by Microsporum gypseum].

Human infections due to microsporum gypseum are rare. We report on a female patient who had tinea corporis caused by M. gypseum after a cutaneous wound. The numerous lesions located on the borders of the wound had an eczematous appearance.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Tungiasis: a rare consequence of the fascination by the exotic?].

The paper reports three cases of tungiasis observed within the space of 6 months in patients who had spent part of their holidays in the Ivory Coast, Brazil and Senegal respectively. Spontaneous recovery probably makes the observation of this disease more rare.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Itraconazole in dermatophyte infections: clinical experience in Italy.

Approximately 200 patients with clinically and mycologically diagnosed dermatophytoses were treated with itraconazole. The drug was administered at a dose of 100 mg with the main meal. Therapy duration was as follows: tinea corporis and tinea cruris, 14 days; tinea pedis and tinea manuum, 28 days; tinea unguium of hands, three months, and feet, six months; tinea capitis, 30 days. Clinical and mycological control tests (eg, direct microscopy and culture) were performed prior to treatment, at the end of treatment and two and four weeks after the end of treatment. Blood chemistry parameters were measured before and at the end of treatment. The results of the research presented here mirror exactly those of international research and therefore confirm that itraconazole is both active and well tolerated in the treatment of dermatophytoses.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1988

Hair casts.

A case of hair casts in an 8-year-old girl is described. The disorder is rare, the first description dating back to 1897 with a total of only 31 cases reported in the literature since then. The results of research conducted using the optic and electron microscopes (transmission and scanning) are recorded. These studies show that the typical lesion consists of two concentric layers of keratinized cells of differing structure: one resembling the inner layer of Huxley's sheath and the outer layer resembling Henle's layer.

Child↗