Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:02
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Curvularia abscess of the brainstem
Branko Skovrlj1, Maryam Haghighi2, Mark E Smethurst3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|July 30, 2013
Summary
This case report details the first instance of brainstem Curvularia infection in an immunocompetent patient, emphasizing aggressive surgical and antifungal treatment for central nervous system fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections are rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- Curvularia species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.
- Brainstem involvement by fungal infections presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of a brainstem infection caused by Curvularia species.
- To review the diagnostic modalities and management strategies for CNS Curvularia infections.
- To explore potential risk factors associated with Curvularia infections in immunocompetent hosts.
Main Methods:
- A 33-year-old immunocompetent male presented with neurological deficits and a medullary lesion on MRI.
- Diagnostic workup included imaging, biopsies, and infectious disease investigations.
- Treatment involved surgical intervention, triple antifungal therapy, and supportive care.
Main Results:
- A Curvularia species infection was identified in a brainstem lesion.
- The patient required surgical debulking and drainage in addition to antifungal treatment.
- Significant neurological improvement was observed at 13-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- This is the first reported case of brainstem Curvularia infection.
- Aggressive surgical and antifungal therapy are crucial for managing CNS Curvularia infections.
- A potential association between heavy marijuana use and Curvularia infection is suggested.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
01:19Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...