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Published on: May 16, 2020
Fatal Aspergillus brain abscess in immunocompetent patient
Marcella Curone1, Domenico D'Amico, Elio Maccagnano
1Neuroscience Department, Neurological Institute Foundation C. Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy.
Summary
High-dose steroids can lead to fatal fungal brain infections, even in immunocompetent individuals. This case highlights the risk of opportunistic infections like intracranial aspergillosis during steroid therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Intracranial aspergillosis is a rare, severe fungal infection of the brain.
- It typically affects immunocompromised patients and is challenging to treat.
- High-dose steroid therapy is a known risk factor for opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A case of a fatal brain abscess caused by intracranial aspergillosis is presented.
- The patient was immunocompetent but had a history of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
- The patient had received a high-dose course of steroids for ADEM.
Findings:
- The high-dose steroid course likely contributed to the development of invasive fungal infection.
- This case demonstrates that even immunocompetent individuals can develop severe opportunistic infections under certain conditions.
- The fungal brain abscess proved fatal despite medical intervention.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be vigilant about potential fatal complications of high-dose steroid therapy.
- Awareness of steroid-induced immunosuppression is crucial, even in seemingly immunocompetent patients.
- This case underscores the need for careful risk-benefit assessment when prescribing high-dose steroids.
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