Dermatopathology Infectious Disease Multiverse of Madness

Dr. Vesna Petronik Rosik, Chair and Program Director for the Division of Dermatology at Cook County Health, presented intriguing and complex cases encountered at a hospital serving a diverse and underserved population. She discussed a 47-year-old Venezuelan refugee who presented with a cutaneous leishmaniasis ulcer, highlighting unique histological features and management with liposomal amphotericin B, resulting in resolution. Another case involved a 49-year-old man with necrotic lesions misdiagnosed as frostbite, which were ultimately found to be due to an angio-invasive infection by Scopulariopsis, leading to a bilateral amputation. Dr. Rosik shared a further compelling story of a 58-year-old man who had an unhealing venous ulcer for 20 years that was later diagnosed as ulcerative blastomycosis, effectively treated with itraconazole. Throughout her presentation, she emphasized the clinical importance of proper diagnosis in dermatopathology, particularly regarding infectious diseases, and acknowledged her talented team and collaboration with microbiology specialists. Dr. Rosik concluded by advocating for dermatologists' vital role in diagnosing infections, reminding the audience of the historical connection between dermatology and infectious disease.