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Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis complicated with brain abscess: a case report
Abstract:
Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is used to describe the rare clinical syndrome of cerebral infection caused by dematiaceous (i.e. pigmented olivaceous-brown) fungi. It usually presents as brain abscess. In view of the rarity of this fungal infection and its clinical importance, we report a case of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis caused by Xylohypha bantiana. The patient presented with a seizure attack. The MRI study revealed a ring-enhancing lesion with marked perifocal edema in right high frontoparietal junction of the brain. He underwent an initial craniotomy for removal of the lesion and a second craniotomy for recurrence of the lesion 3 months later. The diagnosis was based on successful cultivation of X. bantiana from the surgical specimen and on histopathology. The patient received antifungal drug therapy of 5-flucytosine and itraconazole. He has done well without any symptoms. We think complete surgical removal of the brain abscess combined with antifungal drug therapy is the best management for this rare fungal disease.
Insights
Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis, a rare brain infection, was treated by surgically removing the abscess and using antifungal drugs. This approach led to a successful recovery for the patient with Xylohypha bantiana infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is a rare infection of the brain caused by pigmented fungi.
- It typically manifests as a brain abscess, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A patient presented with seizures, and MRI revealed a ring-enhancing lesion with edema.
- The lesion, caused by Xylohypha bantiana, recurred after initial surgical removal.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by fungal cultivation and histopathology of Xylohypha bantiana.
- Combined therapy of surgical excision and antifungal drugs (5-flucytosine, itraconazole) led to a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- Complete surgical resection of the brain abscess is crucial for managing cerebral phaeohyphomycosis.
- Aggressive antifungal treatment alongside surgery offers the best prognosis for this rare fungal infection.
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