Actinomycetoma of the scalp after a car accident

Background Actinomycetoma is the most frequent type of mycetoma in Mexico. Localization on the scalp is very rare. Because of this topography and potential spread to the brain, the present case became a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Materials and methods We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with a 6 x 5 cm red, friable, granulomatous, vascular neoformation on the scalp and eye diagnosed as Nocardia brasiliensis actinomycetoma. Results A combination of amikacin and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) was successfully administered with an excellent outcome and no side effects. Conclusions This is a rare presentation of mycetoma of the scalp that was cured in 12 weeks with a combination of amikacin and SXT.