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Intraventricular amphotericin for absidiomycosis in an immunocompetent child

L L Y Tsung1, X L Zhu, W C W Chu

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. liliantsung@cuhk.edu.hk

Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|April 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A rare Absidia brain abscess in a child was successfully treated with surgery and amphotericin B. This case highlights effective management for pediatric brain abscesses caused by unusual fungi.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Brain abscesses are infrequent in pediatric populations.
  • Absidia species are an uncommon cause of fungal brain abscesses.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy, immunocompetent 3-year-old boy presented with altered consciousness and status epilepticus.
  • Imaging studies, including CT and MRI, identified a brain abscess.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was confirmed via pus and brain tissue cultures, identifying Absidia.
  • The patient showed positive response to surgical drainage and treatment with amphotericin B (intravenous and intraventricular).

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in pediatric brain abscesses.
  • Prompt surgical intervention combined with targeted antifungal therapy, such as amphotericin B, can lead to favorable outcomes in complex pediatric central nervous system infections.

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