Curvularia Pneumonia Presenting as a Mass-Like Lesion

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Curvularia fungi are common environmental molds, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• While generally benign, Curvularia can cause opportunistic infections, primarily allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
• Invasive infections are infrequent but increasingly reported, especially in immunocompromised hosts.

Observation:

• A 44-year-old immunocompetent female presented with pneumonia-like symptoms and a lung mass.
• Histopathology confirmed invasive Curvularia pulmonary infection, a rare presentation in an immunocompetent individual.
• The case underscores the diagnostic challenge of differentiating fungal masses from malignancy.

Findings:

• Invasive Curvularia infections lack established treatment guidelines.
• Amphotericin and azoles have shown variable efficacy in treating these infections.
• This case adds to the limited literature on pulmonary Curvularia infections.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for Curvularia to cause invasive disease even in immunocompetent individuals.
• Emphasizes the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for invasive fungal infections.
• Calls for the development of specific therapeutic guidelines for invasive Curvularia infections.