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Stroke due to septic embolism resulting from Aspergillus aortitis in an immunocompetent patient

M J Abenza-Abildua1, B Fuentes-Gimeno, C Morales-Bastos

  • 1Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain. mariajoaa@yahoo.es

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|May 16, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A rare case of Aspergillus aortitis caused multiple systemic embolisms and cerebral infarction in an immunocompetent patient. Diagnosis was complicated and typically discovered during autopsy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cerebral infarction due to Aspergillus arteritis or septic embolism is rare.
  • This case highlights Aspergillus aortitis leading to systemic embolism and cerebral infarction in an immunocompetent individual.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old male with a history of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and myocardial infarction presented with cerebral infarction and cubital artery embolism.
  • He later developed worsening hemiparesis, facial palsy, and fever of unknown origin.

Findings:

  • Autopsy revealed parietal aortic aspergillosis with widespread septic embolisms affecting the brain, kidneys, liver, and fingers.
  • Cerebral infarction was confirmed in the middle right cerebral artery territory, with thrombosis in the left carotid siphon due to Aspergillus arteritis.

Implications:

  • Aspergillosis is an uncommon cause of cerebral infarction, particularly in immunocompetent patients.
  • Diagnosis is challenging and often made post-mortem, emphasizing the need for increased clinical suspicion.

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