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Sclerosing mediastinitis caused by Aspergillus terreus
S Verghese1, T Methew, P Padmaja
1Department of Microbiology, Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Chennai-600050.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|March 9, 2002
Summary
A rare case of Aspergillus terreus infection causing sclerosing mediastinitis is presented. Diagnosis involved fungal culture and antibody detection, highlighting a challenging clinical presentation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Sclerosing mediastinitis is a rare condition characterized by the proliferation of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum.
- Fungal infections, particularly by Aspergillus species, can lead to invasive diseases in immunocompromised or even immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- A patient presented with cardiorespiratory compromise and compressive myelopathy, indicating significant space-occupying lesions in the mediastinum.
- Diagnostic investigations revealed Aspergillus terreus as the causative agent of sclerosing mediastinitis.
Findings:
- Fungal culture from mediastinal tissue successfully isolated Aspergillus terreus in pure culture.
- Serological tests confirmed the diagnosis by detecting specific precipitating antibodies against Aspergillus terreus in the patient's serum.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of sclerosing mediastinitis.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through microbiological and immunological methods is crucial for effective management of Aspergillus-induced sclerosing mediastinitis.