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Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
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Longitudinally extensive posterolateral myelitis revealing invasive CNS aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient

Lina Jeantin1, Delphine Leclercq2, Suzanne Tran3

  • 1AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Neurology, Neuro-ICU, Paris, France.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 22, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Primary Aspergillus myelitis, a rare fungal infection of the spinal cord, was diagnosed in an immunocompetent patient. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal causes even without apparent immunosuppression.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Central nervous system fungal infections typically impact immunocompromised individuals.
  • Primary Aspergillus myelitis has not been previously documented in medical literature.

Observation:

  • A 45-year-old immunocompetent male presented with subacute paraplegia, initially treated for inflammatory myelitis.
  • Clinical deterioration necessitated mechanical ventilation, preceded by purulent meningitis and a biopsied paraspinal nodule.

Findings:

  • Histopathology confirmed fungal hyphae, and PCR identified Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • No underlying immunodeficiency was detected in the patient.

Implications:

  • Primary Aspergillus myelitis can mimic inflammatory myelitis.
  • This condition should be suspected in patients presenting with myelitis, irrespective of their immune status.
Keywords:
Aspergilluscentral nervous system fungal infectionsfungal meningitisimmunocompetenceinvasive fungal infectionsmyelitis

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