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Published on: March 22, 2012
Invasive Aspergillus sinusitis during bone marrow transplantation
C F Verschraegen1, K W van Besien, C Dignani
1Section of Gynecology Medical Oncology, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
Abstract:
Aspergillus sinusitis is usually a lethal condition in bone marrow transplanted patients. We report the case of a patient known to have a sinus infection with Aspergillus flavus before treatment with allogenic bone marrow transplantation for a refractory acute myelogenous leukemia. Exacerbation of the sinusitis during the neutropenic period required a multidisciplinary approach. Cure was achieved after treatment with a combination of surgery (Caldwell-Luc procedure), long term ABCD (amphotericin B colloidal dispersion) therapy (7 months) and granulocyte transfusions during the period preceding engraftment. The use of granulocyte transfusion in this salvage setting is discussed. Aggressive multimodality management of aspergillus sinusitis in immunosuppressed patients may lead to a cure and might not preclude allogenic transplantation.
Insights
Aspergillus sinusitis in bone marrow transplant patients can be fatal. This case study shows a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, amphotericin B, and granulocyte transfusions can cure invasive Aspergillus flavus sinusitis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Hematology
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Aspergillus sinusitis poses a significant lethal threat to immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing invasive fungal infections in this vulnerable population.
Observation:
- A patient with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia developed Aspergillus flavus sinusitis prior to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
- The sinusitis exacerbated during the neutropenic phase, necessitating aggressive management.
Findings:
- A multidisciplinary approach combining Caldwell-Luc surgery, prolonged amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (ABCD) therapy (7 months), and granulocyte transfusions achieved a cure.
- Granulocyte transfusions were crucial in the salvage setting, supporting the patient through the pre-engraftment period.
Implications:
- Aggressive, multimodality treatment strategies can lead to successful outcomes for invasive aspergillus sinusitis in immunosuppressed patients.
- Successful management of invasive fungal infections may not necessarily preclude allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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