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[Non-obstructive hydrocephalus internus with a rare pathogenesis--mucormycosis].
Edit Bereg1, László Tiszlavicz, Erika Vörös
1Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Szent-Györgyi Albert Klinikai Központ, Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika, Szeged. beregedit@invitel.hu
Ideggyogyaszati Szemle
|August 19, 2009
Summary
A rare case of chronic central nervous system (CNS) mucormycosis developed in an immunocompetent child. Treatment with Amphotericin B lipid complex improved brain MRI, despite negative initial diagnostic tests.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Central nervous system (CNS) mucormycosis is rare, aggressive, and often fatal.
- Classic presentation involves acute, fulminant disease, contrasting with this case's chronic, isolated CNS form.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of chronic, isolated CNS mucormycosis in an immunocompetent child.
- To investigate the potential route of infection in this unique presentation.
- To highlight diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric CNS fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Histopathologic examination of affected tissue confirmed mucormycosis.
- Cranial Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was used to assess disease progression and treatment response.
- Intravenous Amphotericin B lipid complex was administered as treatment.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed mucormycosis, though microbiological confirmation (culture, PCR) was negative.
- The patient presented with chronic, isolated CNS involvement and a long-standing headache.
- MR imaging showed improvement after treatment with Amphotericin B lipid complex.
Conclusions:
- This case represents an atypical presentation of CNS mucormycosis in an immunocompetent child.
- Chronic, isolated CNS mucormycosis can occur in immunocompetent hosts, presenting insidiously.
- Amphotericin B lipid complex demonstrated efficacy in managing this rare CNS fungal infection.
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