Pseudallescheria boydii brain abscess successfully treated with voriconazole and surgical drainage: case report and literature review of central nervous system pseudallescheriasis

Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Sep;31(3):673-7. doi: 10.1086/314042. Epub 2000 Sep 27.

Abstract

Pseudallescheria boydii and its asexual form, Scedosporium apiospermum, are ubiquitous, saprophytic fungi that commonly cause cutaneous infection. However, in certain circumstances, P. boydii can also cause invasive disease, which can involve the central nervous system (CNS). When the CNS becomes involved, treatment is difficult, therapeutic options are limited, and the prognosis is poor. We report a case of Pseudallescheria brain abscess successfully treated with surgical drainage and systemic voriconazole, the first such case to be described in the literature. We also review previously reported cases of CNS pseudallescheriasis and evaluate therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy*
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology
  • Brain Abscess / surgery
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System / microbiology
  • Central Nervous System / surgery
  • Drainage / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Mycoses / surgery
  • Pseudallescheria / drug effects*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Voriconazole

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Pyrimidines
  • Triazoles
  • Voriconazole