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Aspergillus arachnoiditis post intrathecal baclofen pump insertion

V Vivek1, B Kavar, M Hogg

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. vinovivek19@gmail.com

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|May 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A rare fungal infection of an intrathecal baclofen pump occurred in a multiple sclerosis patient. Aspergillus terreus caused neurological decline, highlighting a previously unreported complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Intrathecal baclofen pumps manage severe spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
  • Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) presents significant management challenges.

Observation:

  • A 39-year-old man with SPMS experienced neurological decline.
  • The decline was linked to an infection of his intrathecal baclofen pump.

Findings:

  • The infection was caused by Aspergillus terreus, a fungus.
  • This represents a previously unreported fungal infection complication of intrathecal baclofen pumps.

Implications:

  • Highlights the risk of rare fungal infections with implanted medical devices.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing neurological decline in patients with intrathecal pumps.
  • Suggests considering fungal etiologies in pump-related complications.
Keywords:
AspergillusBaclofenInfectionIntrathecal

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