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Multiple infarcts in a patient with cerebral phaeohyphomycosis: CT and MRI
M Moja1, M N Muthuphei, L R van der Westhuizen
1Department of Internal Medicine, Medunsa/Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, South Africa.
Abstract:
Phaeohyphomycosis is an uncommon disorder caused by a variety of saprophytic fungi having distinctive morphologic features. Central nervous system infection typically occurs in the absence of predisposing factors and usually manifest symptoms and signs of abscess formation. We describe an otherwise healthy young man whose presentation with cerebral phaeohyphomycosis was subacute meningitis and stroke. Neuroimaging studies revealed multiple parenchymal lesions having the characteristics of recent infarcts; several vascular territories were involved. The nature of these lesions was confirmed histologically at autopsy. To our knowledge, such radiologic appearances have not previously been reported in this condition.
Insights
Phaeohyphomycosis, a rare fungal infection, can affect the brain. This case study details a healthy individual who experienced meningitis and stroke due to cerebral phaeohyphomycosis, presenting unusual imaging findings.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Phaeohyphomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by saprophytic fungi.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement typically presents as abscess formation, often without predisposing factors.
Observation:
- A healthy young man presented with subacute meningitis and stroke.
- Neuroimaging revealed multiple parenchymal lesions consistent with recent infarcts across several vascular territories.
Findings:
- Histological confirmation at autopsy identified cerebral phaeohyphomycosis as the cause of the lesions.
- The radiologic appearance of multiple infarcts in cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a novel finding.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical and radiologic spectrum of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis.
- Highlights the importance of considering uncommon fungal infections in CNS presentations, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Suggests potential vascular involvement or complications associated with this fungal infection.
