Coccidioidomycosis Causing Hydrocephalus

Cureus. 2022 Feb 3;14(2):e21889. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21889. eCollection 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Coccidoidomycosis is caused by Coccidoides imitis and C. posadasii infection. Coccidioidomycosis is also known as San Joaquin Valley fever or desert rheumatism. It is only seen in the Southwest United States (Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, Nevada, and Utah), and Central and South America. This infection is acquired by the inhalation of fungal spores in the air. The most severe extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis is coccidioidomycosis meningitis, in which patients present with headaches, photophobia, altered mental status, and hearing difficulties. This is a case report of a person with disseminated coccidioidomycosis meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus, presenting as a headache.

Keywords: coccidioidomycosis; desert rheumatism; evd; immunocompromised patient; san joaquin valley fever.

Publication types

  • Case Reports