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Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis presenting with cachexia and hypercalcemia.
Faisal A Khasawneh1, Subhan Ahmed, Ruba A Halloush
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX.
International Journal of General Medicine
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, can mimic metastatic cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment with antifungals are crucial for managing disseminated histoplasmosis, even when presenting with hypercalcemia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Oncology
Background:
- Histoplasmosis is a common endemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus.
- Most infections are asymptomatic, but symptomatic cases range from flu-like illness to disseminated disease.
Observation:
- A case of chronic disseminated histoplasmosis mimicking metastatic cancer is presented.
- A 65-year-old diabetic male exhibited weight loss and hypercalcemia.
- Imaging revealed brain lesions and adrenal enlargement; biopsies confirmed histoplasmosis.
Findings:
- Disseminated histoplasmosis can present with hypercalcemia and mimic metastatic cancer.
- Fungal infections should be considered in differential diagnoses for granulomatous diseases.
- Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole led to symptom resolution.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in cancer-like presentations.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and antifungal therapy in disseminated histoplasmosis.
- Suggests granulomatous diseases, including fungal infections, warrant consideration alongside malignancies.
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