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Brain abscess caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis in a child with cystic fibrosis
W M Gershan1, L S Rusakow, K J Henrickson
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
Chest
|August 1, 1994
Insights
A young cystic fibrosis patient developed a rare cerebellar abscess caused by Blastomyces. This is the youngest reported case of a brain abscess in a child with cystic fibrosis, and the first fungal cause documented.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, primarily the lungs.
- Bronchiectasis, a common complication in CF, involves permanent widening of the airways.
- Brain abscesses are rare in pediatric patients, particularly those with CF.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old female patient with moderately severe cystic fibrosis and right upper lobe bronchiectasis presented with neurological symptoms.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and imaging revealed a cerebellar abscess.
Findings:
- The cerebellar abscess was confirmed to be caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, a fungus.
- This represents the youngest patient with cystic fibrosis diagnosed with a brain abscess.
- This is the first documented instance of a fungal-induced brain abscess in a pediatric CF patient.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare fungal infections, such as Blastomyces, to cause brain abscesses in immunocompromised pediatric populations.
- Underscores the importance of considering diverse etiologies, including fungal pathogens, in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses in children with cystic fibrosis.
- Suggests a need for increased awareness and potentially tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies for central nervous system infections in pediatric CF patients.
Abstract:
An 8-year-old girl with moderately severe cystic fibrosis and right upper lobe bronchiectasis developed a cerebellar abscess caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. To our knowledge, this is the youngest child with cystic fibrosis and a brain abscess, and the first documented case caused by a fungus.