Related Experiment Videos
Mycotic (Aspergillus) arteritis resulting in fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report
A H Lau1, M Takeshita, N Ishii
1Hypertensive Care Unit, Kyushu Rosai Hospital, Kitakyushu City, Japan.
Abstract:
A seventy-one year-old Japanese man suffering from carcinoma of the common bile duct died from subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary in intracranial mycotic arteritis (MA). Repeated cultures of the discharge from the draining tubes, the tip of intravenous hyperalimentation catheters, blood, sputum, and urine failed to grow any fungus. Autopsy disclosed MA due to Aspergillus at the terminal portion of the right internal carotid artery close to the posterior communicating artery.
Insights
A rare case of intracranial mycotic arteritis (MA) caused by Aspergillus led to subarachnoid hemorrhage in a bile duct cancer patient. Fungal infection was confirmed post-mortem, despite negative cultures during life.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intracranial mycotic arteritis (MA) is a rare but serious complication of fungal infections.
- Bile duct carcinoma presents unique challenges in patient management and monitoring for secondary complications.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old Japanese male with bile duct cancer developed subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Initial diagnostic cultures from various bodily fluids and catheters were negative for fungal growth.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed intracranial mycotic arteritis (MA) as the cause of hemorrhage.
- The MA was attributed to Aspergillus infection in the right internal carotid artery.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Underscores the importance of considering fungal arteritis in unexplained neurological events.
- Suggests limitations of standard cultures in diagnosing certain fungal infections.