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Histoplasmosis as the cause of a pathological fracture
N A Quraishi1, R N Davidson, N Steele
1Department of Orthopaedics, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, England, UK.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|August 2, 2003
Abstract:
We report the case of an 82-year-old man with a pathological fracture of the hip caused by infection with Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum. He was treated by a hemiarthroplasty and with oral itraconazole.
Insights
An elderly man experienced a hip fracture due to Histoplasma capsulatum infection. Treatment involved surgery and antifungal medication, itraconazole, highlighting a rare presentation of this fungal disease.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus endemic to specific regions, typically causing pulmonary infections.
- Disseminated histoplasmosis can affect various organs, but bone involvement leading to pathological fractures is rare.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old male presented with a pathological hip fracture.
- The fracture was confirmed to be caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum infection.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention with hemiarthroplasty was performed to address the fracture.
- Systemic treatment with oral itraconazole was initiated for the fungal infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering disseminated fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, in the differential diagnosis of pathological fractures in elderly patients.
- Successful management involved a combination of surgical repair and targeted antifungal therapy, demonstrating a viable treatment approach for this rare manifestation.