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Published on: January 17, 2018
Successful treatment of sellar aspergillus abscess
Wenke Liu1, Haifeng Chen, Bowen Cai
1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China.
Abstract:
A sellar aspergillus abscess is a rare fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS). A retrospective analysis of three patients with sellar aspergillus abscess was conducted from 2006 to 2008. Data were retrieved from patient records at our hospital. Clinical findings, pathological data and final outcomes were reviewed and analysed. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery with the operating microscope and histopathologic examination revealed aspergillosis in all cases. Postoperatively, all patients received medical treatment with voriconazole and caspofungin. During the 3-6-month follow-up period, the patients were symptom free with no recurrences. Therefore, sellar aspergillus abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of a sellar mass. Early and correct diagnosis via surgery can improve the prognosis. A combination of surgical resection and antifungal therapy has a good outcome. The importance of early treatment for sellar aspergillus abscesses is emphasised.
Insights
Sellar aspergillus abscess, a rare central nervous system infection, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Surgical resection combined with antifungal therapy offers a favorable prognosis for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Sellar aspergillus abscess is a rare fungal infection affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
- Differential diagnosis of sellar masses often overlooks rare fungal infections.
- Limited case studies exist on the management of sellar aspergillus abscess.
Observation:
- A retrospective analysis reviewed three patients diagnosed with sellar aspergillus abscess between 2006 and 2008.
- All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and histopathologic examination confirmed aspergillosis.
- Clinical data, pathology, and outcomes were analyzed.
Findings:
- Surgical resection via operating microscope followed by antifungal treatment (voriconazole and caspofungin) was effective.
- All patients achieved symptom-free recovery with no recurrence during 3-6 months of follow-up.
- Histopathology confirmed Aspergillus in all surgical specimens.
Implications:
- Sellar aspergillus abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sellar masses.
- Early surgical diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving patient prognosis.
- Combined surgical and antifungal treatment demonstrates a high success rate for this rare CNS infection.
