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Intramedullary blastomycosis in a child: case report
Summary
Spinal intramedullary blastomycosis is a rare cause of myelopathy. Early diagnosis and surgical resection offer a good prognosis for neurological recovery in this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to North America.
- Spinal intramedullary involvement is an uncommon manifestation of blastomycosis.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old patient with respiratory blastomycosis developed a lumbar myelopathy at age 14.
- MRI revealed a 1 cm intramedullary lesion at T12-L1.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the intramedullary lesion confirmed blastomycosis.
- Postoperative treatment with amphotericin B led to significant neurological improvement.
Implications:
- Blastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary lesions causing myelopathy.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgical intervention, can lead to favorable outcomes.