Aspergillus osteoarthritis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Ann Hematol. 1999 Nov;78(11):529-30. doi: 10.1007/s002770050551.

Abstract

We report an unusual case of arthritis of the right wrist due to Aspergillus fumigatus without evidence for a generalized infection, following chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The diagnosis was made by surgical biopsy. Amphotericin-B (Am-B) was not tolerated by the patient. Liposomal preparations of Am-B penetrate poorly into bone and cartilage. Therefore, oral itraconazole was given; the arthritis improved and chemotherapy was continued without infectious complications. Two weeks after complete hematopoietic recovery, an intracranial hemorrhage from a mycotic aneurysm of a brain vessel occurred, although the patient was still receiving itraconazole. We emphasize the importance of prompt and thorough efforts to identify the causative agent in immunocompromised patients with a joint infection. Itraconazole is effective in Aspergillus osteoarthritis but, due to its poor penetration into the brain, the combination with a liposomal formulation of Am-B is recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis* / drug therapy
  • Aspergillus fumigatus*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnosis
  • Osteoarthritis / drug therapy
  • Osteoarthritis / microbiology*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Wrist Joint

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Itraconazole