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J Neurol Surg Rep 2014; 75(02): e241-e245
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1387182
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Intracranial Fusarium Fungal Abscess in an Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Asa Peterson
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
,
Martin H. Pham
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
,
Brian Lee
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
,
Deborah Commins
2   Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
,
Joseph Cadden
3   Department of Infectious Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
,
Steven L. Giannotta
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
,
Gabriel Zada
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

29 November 2013

25 May 2014

Publication Date:
12 November 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction Fusarium spp is an omnipresent fungal species that may lead to fatal infections in immunocompromised populations. Spontaneous intracranial infection by Fusarium spp in immunocompetent individuals is exceedingly rare.

Case Report An immunocompetent 33-year-old Hispanic woman presented with persistent headaches and was found to have a contrast-enhancing mass in the left petrous apex and prepontine cistern. She underwent a subsequent craniotomy for biopsy and partial resection that revealed a Fusarium abscess. She had a left transient partial oculomotor palsy following the operation that resolved over the next few weeks. She was treated with long-term intravenous antifungal therapy and remained at her neurologic baseline 18 months following the intervention.

Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Fusarium spp brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient. Treatment options include surgical intervention and various antifungal medications.

Conclusion This case demonstrates the rare potential of intracranial Fusarium infection in the immunocompetent host, as well as its successful treatment with surgical aspiration and antifungal therapy.

Keywords

intracranial abscess - Fusarium - fungal infection
 

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