Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis in liver transplant recipient: A case report

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a rare but fatal fungal infection of the brain.
• Dematiaceous fungi cause this infection, affecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
• Liver transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

• A liver transplant recipient presented with cerebral phaeohyphomycosis.
• The patient underwent multiple surgical interventions.
• Antifungal treatment was administered over an extended period.

Findings:

• The patient achieved a complete recovery from the fungal brain infection.
• Aggressive and timely surgical debridement was crucial for successful treatment.
• Prolonged antifungal therapy played a significant role in the positive outcome.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that aggressive management can lead to favorable outcomes in immunocompromised patients with cerebral phaeohyphomycosis.
• Early surgical intervention and comprehensive antifungal treatment are vital.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for fungal brain infections in immunocompromised populations.