Fusarium falciforme infection in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease: Unique long-term course of epidural abscess

Pediatr Int. 2015;57(1):e4-6. doi: 10.1111/ped.12458.

Abstract

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections with granuloma formation. Species of the genus Fusarium are opportunistic environmental microorganisms that are rarely pathogenic in humans. We report here the first case of X-linked CGD complicated with epidural abscess caused by Fusarium falciforme infection. The abscesses extended along the dura mater for >7 years and finally resulted in fatal meningitis and cervical myelitis. Early intervention with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered, especially in patients with severe CGD, before the development of serious infectious complication.

Keywords: Fusarium; chronic granulomatous disease; epidural abscess; meningitis; myelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Epidural Abscess / diagnosis
  • Epidural Abscess / etiology*
  • Epidural Abscess / microbiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fusarium / isolation & purification*
  • Granulomatous Disease, Chronic / complications*
  • Granulomatous Disease, Chronic / therapy
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mycoses / complications*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Time Factors