A Rare Case of Invasive Central Nervous System Aspergillus niger in a Previously Immunocompetent Patient After Corticosteroid Treatment for COVID-19.

Journal: Cureus

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA. Internal Medicine, Emanate Health, West Covina, USA. Hematology and Oncology, Emanate Health, West Covina, USA. Family Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, USA.

Abstract summary 

is a ubiquitous saprophyte found in air, soil, and organic matter. Humans inhale the spore form of the fungus, but manifestations of the disease are typically predominantly seen in immunocompromised patients. Invasive central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis is even more uncommon, and epidemiological data is sparse, particularly in immunocompetent patients. We report the case of a 67-year-old previously immunocompetent female with no known comorbidities who was treated with corticosteroids for COVID-19 one month prior to admission for altered mental status (AMS). Subsequent imaging and biopsy demonstrated invasive CNS . Though a rare cause of AMS in immunocompetent patients, this report draws attention to the detrimental immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroid therapy in COVID-19.

Authors & Co-authors:  Saleh Hussein H Abraham Peter P Chahine Hassan H Subbiah Shanmuga S Grace-Abraham Nadine N

Study Outcome 

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Citations :  Epidemiology of invasive mycoses: a landscape in continuous change (Article in Spanish) Quindós G. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2018;35:171–178.
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : e57923
SSN : 2168-8184
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
cns aspergilloma;covid-19;immunocompetent patients;invasive aspergillus;steroid use
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States