Disseminated Aspergillosis in a Patient With Neurosarcoidosis: Persistent Contrast Enhancement in CNS Despite Prolonged Antifungal Treatment: A Case Report

J Cent Nerv Syst Dis. 2023 Aug 12:15:11795735231195756. doi: 10.1177/11795735231195756. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

A 56-year-old Caucasian man was diagnosed with definite neurosarcoidosis after he presented with progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness and dysesthesia. He was started on a combination immunosuppressant regimen of dexamethasone, methotrexate and infliximab. Two months into treatment with immunosuppressants, he developed devastating disseminated aspergillosis which clinically stabilized with aggressive antifungal treatment however had a protracted radiological course despite prolonged anti-fungal treatment for over two years. Interestingly, he remained in remission from neurosarcoidosis off immunosuppression during the same period. This case emphasizes need for vigilance for fungal infections in patients treated with combination immunosuppressive therapy particularly TNF-α inhibitors such as infliximab.

Keywords: case report; central nervous system aspergillosis; neurosarcoidosis; tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors; voriconazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports