Disseminated Scedosporium boydii infection with pulmonary and cerebral involvement in a patient with COPD: A case report

Summary

A 51-year-old man with chronic lung disease developed a life-threatening brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Scedosporium boydii. The infection started in his lungs and spread to his brain, causing a fluid-filled abscess. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and surgery, the patient died because the initial treatment was incomplete and the infection had time to progress to his brain.

Background

Scedosporium boydii is a filamentous fungus that causes infections particularly in immunocompromised hosts, with common sites including lungs, skin, sinuses, and central nervous system. CNS involvement presents exceptional diagnostic and treatment challenges due to antifungal resistance and limited therapeutic options.

Objective

To present a case report of brain abscess caused by S. boydii in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient, highlighting diagnostic complexity and treatment challenges in this rare but life-threatening infection.

Results

Conclusion

This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic complexity of CNS scedosporiasis and emphasizes the critical importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary diagnostic approaches, strict adherence to long-term antifungal therapy, and sustained medical management to improve patient outcomes.
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