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Bowel infarction as the initial manifestation of disseminated aspergillosis
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NY.
Abstract:
Disseminated aspergillosis in the immunocompromised patient most commonly presents with clinically apparent pulmonary involvement and roentgenographic infiltrates. We report a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia who developed bowel infarction due to gastrointestinal invasion of Aspergillus fumigatus as the initial manifestation of widespread fungal disease.
Insights
Disseminated aspergillosis typically affects the lungs in immunocompromised patients. This case highlights gastrointestinal invasion by Aspergillus fumigatus causing bowel infarction as the first sign of widespread fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Disseminated aspergillosis is a severe fungal infection.
- Immunocompromised patients are at high risk.
- Pulmonary involvement is the most common presentation.
Observation:
- A patient with acute myelogenous leukemia was studied.
- The patient presented with bowel infarction.
- Gastrointestinal invasion by Aspergillus fumigatus was identified.
Findings:
- Gastrointestinal Aspergillus fumigatus invasion can manifest as bowel infarction.
- This presentation can be the initial sign of disseminated disease.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia increases susceptibility.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider gastrointestinal aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients with abdominal symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
- This case expands the spectrum of presentations for disseminated aspergillosis.