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Fungus That Struck the Brain: A Case of Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis Causing a Stroke
Nidha Shapoo1, Jumana Chalabi1, Paul Huang2
1Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis is a rare but potentially fatal fungal infection that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals. It can lead to severe complications such as internal carotid artery invasion and ischemic stroke. We report a case of a 74-year-old male patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who presented with right eye pain and proptosis. Imaging revealed a sino-orbital mass with invasion into the cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery. Following a biopsy, the patient suffered an ischemic stroke due to the right internal carotid artery occlusion, requiring mechanical thrombectomy and stent placement. Histopathology confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus, and the patient was treated with amphotericin B and voriconazole, showing improvement. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach in managing invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis to prevent fatal vascular complications.
Insights
Invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis, a rare fungal infection, can cause devastating carotid artery invasion and stroke. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing this condition and preventing fatal vascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection.
- It primarily impacts immunocompromised individuals, posing risks of severe vascular complications.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male with diabetes presented with eye pain and proptosis.
- Imaging showed a sino-orbital mass invading the cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an ischemic stroke post-biopsy due to carotid artery occlusion, necessitating mechanical thrombectomy.
- Histopathology confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus; treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole led to improvement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis of sino-orbital aspergillosis.
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential to prevent fatal vascular complications like stroke.
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