Background:

mycetoma is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease affecting the skin, soft tissues and bones; it is caused by bacteria and fungi. Clinically it manifests itself as nodules that tend to coalesce and form plaques with fistulous paths, which drain purulent or serosanguineous material with characteristic grains. Lower limbs are most affected.

Objetive:

to show a patient with Madura foot, treated by Syme’s amputation.

Case report:

a 42 years-old, black, male, HIV positive patient, with history of chronic lesions of the skin, soft tissues and metatarsals bones of the left foot, with more than eight years of evolution. Laboratory studies, radiological assessment and hysto-pathological examination were done and finally, mycetoma’s diagnosis by Madurella grisea was confirmed. According to the poor results obtained with other bone surgery and antifungal treatments; Syme’s amputation, as definitive management was performed.

Conclusions:

this disease though rare in our environment, has worldwide prevalence; it should be considered within the differential diagnosis when chronic suppurative lesions are present in the lower limbs. In Madura foot, the best results are obtained with the amputation technique of the affected zone, such as the Syme’s procedure, which one minimizes the anatomical, functional and psycho-emotional sequel of the patient.

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