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Polyarthritis and humeral epiphysial separation in an infant with acute disseminated histoplasmosis

Kristien Verhaert1, Monika Rodriguez, Gloria Mendoza

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|June 22, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This case study details an immunocompetent infant with disseminated histoplasmosis presenting with unusual polyarthritis and bone complications. Early surgical intervention and antifungal treatment with itraconazole were key to management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Disseminated histoplasmosis is typically associated with significant reticuloendothelial system involvement.
  • Infantile histoplasmosis can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Immunocompetent individuals can develop severe fungal infections.

Observation:

  • An immunocompetent infant presented with disseminated histoplasmosis.
  • Clinical presentation was dominated by polyarthritis and respiratory infection.
  • Epiphysial separation of both humeri complicated the condition.
  • Minimal reticuloendothelial tissue involvement was noted.

Findings:

  • The case highlights an atypical presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis in an infant.
  • Polyarthritis and bone abnormalities (epiphysial separation) were prominent features.
  • The infection occurred despite the patient's immunocompetent status.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of histoplasmosis clinical spectrum in infants.
  • It underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in pediatric polyarthritis.
  • Aggressive treatment combining surgical correction and antifungal therapy (itraconazole) can be effective.

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