Total splenic infarct due to Aspergillus and AIDS

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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

F H Miller1, J J Ma

  • 1Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. fmiller@northwestern.edu

Clinical Imaging
|July 4, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Invasive aspergillosis, a serious lung infection in AIDS patients, can rarely cause splenic infarction and brain septic emboli. This case highlights a unique extrapulmonary manifestation of the fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Immunocompromised Hosts

Background:

  • Invasive aspergillosis is a significant cause of illness and death in individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • Pulmonary involvement is the most common presentation of invasive aspergillosis.
  • Extrapulmonary manifestations are less frequent but can be severe.

Observation:

  • This report details a rare case of invasive aspergillosis in an AIDS patient.
  • The patient presented with an unusual extrapulmonary complication: total splenic infarction.
  • Septic emboli to the brain were also observed, originating from the Aspergillus infection.

Findings:

  • The study illustrates a unique presentation of invasive aspergillosis involving the spleen and brain.
  • Total splenic infarction as a complication of invasive aspergillosis has not been previously documented.
  • The findings underscore the potential for diverse and severe extrapulmonary manifestations of Aspergillus infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of known complications for invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients.
  • It emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding extrapulmonary disease in immunocompromised individuals with suspected fungal infections.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanisms and risk factors for such rare presentations.

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