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[Tibial abscess caused by histoplasma capsulatum]
M I de Fernández1, R Negroni, A Arechavala
1Microbiología, Instituto Quirúrgico del Callad, Buenos Aires. migf@infovia.com.ar
Medicina
|May 26, 2001
Summary
Disseminated histoplasmosis, a severe fungal infection, can manifest as bone lesions without lung symptoms. This case highlights successful treatment of a tibial abscess caused by Histoplasma capsulatum with itraconazole.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Disseminated histoplasmosis, caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is a severe systemic fungal infection.
- It is endemic in specific regions of the Americas, with lung involvement being most common (90%).
- Histoplasma capsulatum can affect bone and soft tissues, with bone lesions being rare and often misdiagnosed.
Observation:
- A case of disseminated histoplasmosis presented in a man with myelodysplasia.
- The patient exhibited a left tibial abscess.
- Crucially, there was no clinical evidence of pulmonary involvement.
Findings:
- The patient's tibial abscess was diagnosed as disseminated histoplasmosis.
- Bone involvement without pulmonary symptoms is a rare presentation of this fungal infection.
- The patient responded well to antifungal therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with bone lesions, even without apparent lung infection.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as with itraconazole, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Highlights the diagnostic challenge of rare presentations of endemic fungal infections.