A case of invasive aspergillosis in a patient with no identifiable immunodeficiencies

• Published in: Libyan journal of medicine 2008-01, Vol.3 (1), p.49-51
• Main Authors: Siddiqui, K, Douglas, M, Carey, Mp, Benamer, Hts
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1993-2820; 1819-6357
• DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v3i1.4751

Invasive fungal infections usually affect patients with immunodeficiencies and very rarely patients with no known or identifiable risk factors. Diagnosis could be delayed in patients without previously known immunodeficiencies due to a low index of suspicion, leading to a delay in treatment and a potential poor outcome. We report a case of a postpartum woman with no history of immuno-compromised disease who developed left hemiparesis with evidence of invasive aspergollosis affecting the nervous system, and leading to fatal outcome. The patient had a mass-like lesion in the neuroimaging with soft tissue shadowing in the chest x-ray leading to initial diagnosis of tuberculosis. The brain biopsy showed changes consistent with a diagnosis of aspergillosis. The source of the aspergillus infection was not clear. Aspergillus infection should be considered in patients with no identifiable immunodeficiencies who have abnormal brain imaging and chest x-ray, as early treatment may alter the outcome.