Acute Myelopathy as Initial Presentation of Disseminated Histoplasmosis: A Case Report

Lisle Blackbourn1,2, Elisa Yoo3, Michael D Lunt4

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, USA.

Insights

This case study highlights a rare presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient, manifesting as acute thoracic myelopathy. Diagnosis was confirmed via biopsy, emphasizing the challenges in identifying this fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis, caused by *Histoplasma capsulatum*, is a fungal infection.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rare but can present diversely, including meningitis, encephalitis, and lesions.
  • CNS histoplasmosis poses diagnostic challenges due to varied presentations and limited sensitive tests.

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