1
|
Chandra S, Sharma S, Vats R, Pandey S. Isolated cerebral mucormycosis masquerading as a tumor in an immunocompetent patient. AUTOPSY AND CASE REPORTS 2021; 11:e2020233. [PMID: 33968820 PMCID: PMC8020582 DOI: 10.4322/acr.2020.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal disease that commonly presents as cutaneous or rhinocerebral infections associated with immunocompromised states. It may exceptionally present as isolated involvement of the brain with a varied clinical presentation, which may be difficult to diagnose early, leading to increased mortality. Herein, we report the case of a 42-year-old immunocompetent female with left-sided limb weakness and a history of recurrent vomiting and headache for the last two years. Clinically, glioma was suspected, but histopathological examination revealed a few broad aseptate fungal hyphae. As no other organ was involved, the diagnosis of isolated cerebral mucormycosis was rendered. Reporting this case, we show an unusual presentation of a central nervous system mucormycosis masquerading a tumor in an immunocompetent patient. The case also highlights the importance of a careful histopathological examination to avoid missing the presence of occasional fungal hyphae. Ideally, recognition of fungal hyphae in the brain, during intraoperative consultation, can prompt brain tissue culture for definitive diagnosis and early empirical antifungal therapy, which may prove life-saving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Chandra
- Swami Rama Himalayan University, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shubhi Sharma
- Swami Rama Himalayan University, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ruchir Vats
- Swami Rama Himalayan University, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanjeev Pandey
- Swami Rama Himalayan University, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gupta S, Mehrotra A, Attri G, Pal L, Jaiswal AK, Kumar R. Isolated Intraventricular Chronic Mucormycosis in an Immunocompetent Infant: A Rare Case with Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2019; 130:206-210. [PMID: 31279104 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucormycosis of the central nervous system is an uncommon infection caused by saprophytic or parasitic fungi of the subphylum Mucormycotina and order Mucorales viz. Rhizopus, Mucor, and Rhizomucor. Isolated, chronic involvement of the central nervous system is a rare occurrence. To the best of our knowledge, isolated chronic ventricular involvement in an infant has not been reported previously. Isolated intracerebral mucormycosis is a disease of the immunocompromised patient, and to date only 6 cases have been reported in immunocompetent patients, including 2 pediatric cases. CASE DESCRIPTION We present the case of an immunocompetent infant presenting with features of increased intracranial tension. He underwent cerebrospinal fluid diversion and was found to harbor mucormycosis on histopathologic examination of intraventricular debris. We also present a brief review of the relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS Although mucormycosis is an acute fulminant infection, chronic isolated cerebral cases are known in the immunocompetent patient. Patients also may present with isolated hydrocephalus, and hence fungal infection must be ruled out in all, especially if a shunt is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anant Mehrotra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Gagandeep Attri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lily Pal
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Awadhesh Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kerezoudis P, Watts CR, Bydon M, Dababneh AS, Deyo CN, Frye JM, Kelley PC, Kemp AM, Palraj BV, Pupillo GT. Diagnosis and Treatment of Isolated Cerebral Mucormycosis: Patient-Level Data Meta-Analysis and Mayo Clinic Experience. World Neurosurg 2018; 123:425-434.e5. [PMID: 30415043 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.10.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated cerebral mucormycosis is a rare and serious infection associated with intravenous drug abuse. METHODS We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of cases reported in studies and have included an unreported case from our institution. We searched PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Databases, and our institution's electronic medical health records from inception through March 31, 2018. The cases were considered isolated (only affecting the cerebrum, cerebellum, or brainstem) if the absence of other primary sources of infection had been documented. Continuous variables were summarized using the median and interquartile range and categorical variables using frequencies and proportions. The relationships between variables were tested using the Wilcoxon rank sum and Pearson χ2 tests. RESULTS A total of 130 studies (141 patients) met the eligibility requirements and were screened; 68 patients were included. The median age was 28 years (interquartile range, 24-38); 57% were men. Most patients had a history of intravenous drug abuse (82%), and 20% had positive human immunodeficiency virus findings. The lesion location was mostly supratentorial (91%), especially in the basal ganglia (71.2%). The cultures were positive in 38%, with Rhizopus the most common organism (59%). The mortality rate was 65%. The survivors were significantly more likely to have received amphotericin B (92% vs. 43%; P < 0.001) or to have undergone stereotactic aspiration (58% vs. 25%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Isolated cerebral mucormycosis has a pooled mortality rate of 65%. The presence of lesions in the basal ganglia, rapidly progressive symptoms, and a history of intravenous drug abuse should raise suspicion for the early initiation of amphotericin B and stereotactic aspiration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles R Watts
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Mohamad Bydon
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ala S Dababneh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christopher N Deyo
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Judson M Frye
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Parker C Kelley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anna M Kemp
- Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bharath V Palraj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gregory T Pupillo
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hazama A, Galgano M, Fullmer J, Hall W, Chin L. Affinity of Mucormycosis for Basal Ganglia in Intravenous Drug Users: Case Illustration and Review of Literature. World Neurosurg 2016; 98:872.e1-872.e3. [PMID: 27923750 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.11.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system mucormycosis is an aggressive fungal infection often ending in fatality. The usual circumstance is an immunocompromised individual presenting with rapidly progressive rhinocerebral involvement. An extremely rare variant of central nervous system mucormycosis isolated to the basal ganglia in an immunocompetent intravenous drug user is detailed in this manuscript. The patient was aggressively treated with aspiration of the fungal abscess and long-term intravenous antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hazama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA.
| | - Michael Galgano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Fullmer
- Department of Pathology, Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Walter Hall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Lawrence Chin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|