Long-term survival following treatment of multiple supra- and infratentorial aspergillus brain abscesses
Bunc, G.; Vorsic, M.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 113(Suppl 3): 69-74
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 15503626 Document Number: 529757
Aspergillus brain abscess is a rare but frequently fatal disease. Despite the scarcity of reported survivors, a combination of medication and surgical treatment might be effective. We report a 37-year-old man who developed multiple aspergillus brain abscesses after severe bacterial pneumonia. The following strategy was used to treat the patient: diagnostic puncture of one of the abscesses, long-term treatment with medication, excision of chronic granuloma in the occipital lobe and fourth ventricle, surgical treatment of the hydrocephalus. Following various surgical and antifungal treatments, the patient survived. Nearly three years after discharge, he still is in good physical condition and has a moderate neurologic deficit. Only 36 patients have been reported to have survived longer than three months after receiving treatment for brain aspergillosis. A course of medication in combination with various surgical procedures was required to achieve a successful outcome in this otherwise fatal disease.