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Fatal Penicillium citrinum pneumonia with pericarditis in a patient with acute leukemia

T Mok1, A P Koehler, M Y Yu

  • 1Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|October 8, 1997
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of fatal Penicillium citrinum fungal infection occurred in an immunocompromised patient with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite achieving remission, the patient died from pulmonary and pericardial complications.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Penicillium citrinum is a common environmental mold rarely causing human disease.
  • Immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematologic malignancies, are susceptible to opportunistic fungal infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with acute myeloid leukemia developed fungal pneumonia and pericardial tamponade post-chemotherapy.
  • Autopsy revealed invasive pulmonary lesions and pericardial involvement.
  • Fungal cultures from lung and pericardial tissue identified Penicillium citrinum.

Findings:

  • Histopathology confirmed invasive fungal hyphae consistent with Penicillium citrinum.
  • The infection led to fatal pulmonary and pericardial complications.
  • Complete remission of acute myeloid leukemia did not prevent the fatal outcome.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Penicillium citrinum as a potential opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts.
  • It underscores the importance of considering rare fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies.
  • Early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for managing invasive fungal infections.

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