Infectious Diseases

Answer 4 Coccidioidomycosis. This patient has coccidioidomycosis, which is distinguishable by the classic triad of fever, arthralgias, and erythema nodosum. Eosinophilia has also been associated with coccidioidomycosis. Most of these infections are self-limited and resolve without treatment. Coccidioidomycosis is seen predominantly in arid areas of the western United States, such as California and Arizona, and thus has been termed desert rheumatism. Although histoplasmosis may cause similar symptoms, this patient’s recent travel to Arizona makes coccidioidomycosis much more likely. Erythema nodosum is not commonly associated with blastomycosis. The patient’s clinical presentation is not compatible with aspergillosis or candidiasis. Click here to return to the questions

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