Unusual Presentation of Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Host

Maya Subramanian1, Ashin Mehta1, Pinky Jha2

  • 1Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA.

Cureus
|September 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a rare case of disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent individual. Early detection and prompt management are crucial for treating this severe fungal infection and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Disseminated histoplasmosis can lead to multi-system involvement, including pulmonary and neurological complications.
  • Common imaging findings include pulmonary infiltrates, nodules, and lymphadenopathy.

Observation:

  • A rare case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a 58-year-old immunocompetent male with no occupational exposure is presented.
  • The patient presented with primary adrenal insufficiency, confirmed by CT-guided adrenal gland biopsy revealing Histoplasma capsulatum spores.
  • The patient experienced significant pulmonary and neurological issues secondary to the disseminated infection.

Findings:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum was identified in the adrenal gland biopsy of an immunocompetent patient.
  • Disseminated histoplasmosis presented atypically with primary adrenal insufficiency as a key symptom.
  • The infection led to severe pulmonary and neurological sequelae, ultimately proving fatal.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients with unexplained weight loss and adrenal insufficiency.
  • Increased awareness of atypical presentations of histoplasmosis can improve early detection and patient outcomes.
  • Further research into disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompetent individuals is warranted due to its rarity and severity.

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