Multiple fungal brain abscesses in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Mycopathologia. 2012 Dec;174(5-6):505-9. doi: 10.1007/s11046-012-9563-6. Epub 2012 Jul 10.

Abstract

Fungal infection is a severe problem in children suffering from cancer. We report a case of a four-year-old girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple Aspergillus niger abscesses at the induction phase of the treatment. She was treated with granulocyte transfusions, liposomal amphotericin B with a combination of voriconazole for four months, followed by oral variconazole alone for 17 months. She was successfully treated with this combination without any sequel, and the planned chemotherapy was also completed. Our experience revealed that antifungal treatment including intravenous amphotericin B and variconazole augmented by granulocyte transfusion is an alternative option for the management of this catastrophic complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy
  • Aspergillosis / etiology
  • Aspergillosis / microbiology*
  • Aspergillus niger / isolation & purification*
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy
  • Brain Abscess / etiology
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use
  • Voriconazole

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Pyrimidines
  • Triazoles
  • Amphotericin B
  • Voriconazole