Successful treatment of multiple Pseudallescheria boydii brain abscesses and ventriculitis/ependymitis in a 2-year-old child after a near-drowning episode

Childs Nerv Syst. 2006 Feb;22(2):189-92. doi: 10.1007/s00381-005-1151-3. Epub 2005 Apr 30.

Abstract

Rationale: We report on a cerebral infection by Pseudallescheria boydii in a 21-month-old boy after a near-drowning episode. MRI revealed multiple (> 60) intracerebral abscesses.

Methods: The surgical therapy included CSF drainage and microsurgical resection of one abscess for microbiological diagnosis. Antimycotic therapy included terbinafine and intraventricular caspofungin in addition to voriconazole.

Results: Systemic side effects of chemotherapy were not observed. After placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, the boy was transferred to a rehabilitation clinic and improved neurologically. After 20 months, MRI documented a continuing remission of the disease.

Conclusion: Our case proves that an aggressive treatment should be undertaken and can be successful in CNS pseudallescheriasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Abscess / complications
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology
  • Brain Abscess / therapy*
  • Encephalomyelitis / complications*
  • Encephalomyelitis / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Mycetoma / etiology*
  • Near Drowning*
  • Neurosurgery / methods
  • Pseudallescheria

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents