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Spinal cord aspergillus invasion--complication of an aspergilloma
Abstract:
Acute paraplegia developed in a 53-year-old man with pulmonary aspergilloma because of contiguous extension of Aspergillus infection to the epidural and subdural spaces and spinal cord. Histopathologic findings of the spinal cord showed Aspergillus hyphae penetrating the myelin sheath and myelomalacia, predominantly in the anterior and lateral columns. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no previous descriptions or illustrations of spinal cord involvement and the pathologic changes caused by Aspergillus infection.
Insights
Pulmonary aspergilloma can spread to the spinal cord, causing acute paraplegia. This case details the rare pathological changes in the spinal cord due to Aspergillus infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary aspergilloma is a fungal infection of the lungs caused by Aspergillus species.
- Spinal cord involvement by Aspergillus is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male with pulmonary aspergilloma developed acute paraplegia.
- The paraplegia was attributed to contiguous spread of Aspergillus infection to the epidural, subdural, and spinal cord spaces.
Findings:
- Histopathology revealed Aspergillus hyphae invading the spinal cord's myelin sheath.
- Myelomalacia, primarily affecting anterior and lateral columns, was observed.
- This represents the first documented description and illustration of spinal cord pathology from Aspergillus infection.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but severe neurological complication of pulmonary aspergilloma.
- Underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in spinal cord pathologies.
- Provides crucial histopathological insights into Aspergillus-induced myelopathy.