Small bowel infarction by Aspergillus
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Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
L Catalano1, M Picardi, D Anzivino
1Cattedre di Ematologia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Primary gut involvement by Aspergillus is a rare and often fatal complication of intensive antileukemic therapy. We describe the case of an adult patient affected by acute leukemia who developed a small bowel fungal thromboembolism without radiographic evidence of lung involvement during the post-induction aplastic phase. The diagnosis was made histologically at laparotomy performed for small bowel perforation. The patient died a week later in spite of amphotericin-B treatment and neutrophil recovery. Anti-Aspergillus prophylaxis and early introduction of amphotericin-B in the treatment of febrile neutropenia is probably advisable in all cases of AML.
Insights
Primary gastrointestinal Aspergillus infection is a rare but fatal complication of acute leukemia treatment. Early antifungal prophylaxis and treatment are crucial for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to prevent invasive fungal disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Primary gastrointestinal (GI) Aspergillus infections are rare, life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing intensive antileukemic therapy.
- Invasive fungal disease poses a significant risk during the aplastic phase post-chemotherapy for acute leukemia.
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