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Brown Heroin-Associated Candida albicans Ventriculitis and Endophthalmitis Treated with Voriconazole
1Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Danville, Pa., USA.
Abstract:
Chronic meningitis and ventriculitis are defined as inflammatory pleocytoses in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ependyma that persists for at least 1 month without spontaneous resolution. Because the CSF communicates directly with the posterior compartments of the eye, fungal infections in the brain often cause secondary ophthalmologic complications. We report a 23-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with progressive severe headaches associated with insidious monocular vision loss. After extensive workup and a multidisciplinary team effort, the patient was diagnosed with ventriculitis and endogenous endopthalmitis. The etiology is suspected to be due to brown heroin use with secondary disseminated Candida albicans.
Insights
Chronic meningitis and ventriculitis, persistent brain inflammation, can lead to vision loss. This case highlights Candida albicans infection secondary to brown heroin use, causing ventriculitis and endophthalmitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic meningitis and ventriculitis involve persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation lasting over a month.
- The brain's CSF system connects to the eye, making fungal brain infections a risk for secondary ocular complications.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with severe headaches and progressive monocular vision loss.
- The patient was diagnosed with ventriculitis and endogenous endophthalmitis.
Findings:
- The patient's condition was linked to brown heroin use.
- Disseminated Candida albicans infection was suspected as the etiology.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe neurological and ophthalmological risks associated with intravenous drug use.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for treating fungal infections affecting the central nervous system and eyes.
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