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Localized peripheral calcium oxalate crystal deposition caused by Aspergillus niger infection
W Louthrenoo1, Y S Park, L Philippe
1Department of Pathology, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Abstract:
A 70-year-old white man, who was malnourished and demented, presented with a painful black, gangrenous-appearing right foot with a fungating mass and required amputation. Pathological sections of the tissue specimens showed numerous birefringent crystals, which were identified as calcium oxalate. Branching septate hyphae and darkly pigmented fungal fruiting heads with double sterigmata characteristic of Aspergillus niger were also identified in the tissue sections. No systemic or other metabolic causes of oxalosis were found. The calcium oxalate crystal deposition was felt to be secondary to Aspergillus niger infection.
Insights
A rare case of Aspergillus niger infection led to calcium oxalate crystal deposition in a patient
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Crystal Deposition Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Fungal infections can present with unusual manifestations.
- Oxalosis, or calcium oxalate crystal deposition, is typically associated with metabolic disorders or certain dietary factors.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old malnourished and demented male presented with a gangrenous right foot requiring amputation.
- Pathological examination revealed birefringent calcium oxalate crystals and fungal elements characteristic of Aspergillus niger.
Findings:
- The study identified Aspergillus niger as the causative agent of calcium oxalate deposition.
- No other metabolic or systemic causes for oxalosis were identified, suggesting a secondary deposition due to fungal infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, previously unrecognized link between Aspergillus niger infection and secondary oxalosis.
- It underscores the importance of thorough pathological examination to identify underlying causes of crystal deposition, especially in cases of severe infection.