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Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Disseminated Fungal Infections

Summary

Fungal infections can spread to bones and joints, causing serious complications especially in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are tricky to diagnose because their symptoms are similar to bacterial infections or other diseases. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications and sometimes surgery to remove infected tissue. Early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes.

Background

Disseminated musculoskeletal fungal infections are rare but present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, affecting both immunocompromised and previously healthy individuals. Common organisms include ubiquitous species such as Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus, as well as dimorphic fungi endemic to specific regions including Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces spp., and Coccidioides spp.

Objective

This review synthesizes current knowledge on disseminated musculoskeletal fungal infections, emphasizing their epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and treatment approaches in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations.

Results

Disseminated fungal infections typically present insidiously with non-specific symptoms including fever, joint pain, and swelling that mimic autoimmune or bacterial diseases. Radiographic findings reveal lytic bone lesions in metaphyses of long bones and less conspicuous sites such as talus and cuboid, requiring histological or microbiological confirmation for definitive diagnosis.

Conclusion

Early recognition and high clinical suspicion are critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. Multifaceted management involving antifungal therapy, surgical intervention, and supportive care, combined with emerging diagnostic techniques and personalized therapies, can improve outcomes in patients with disseminated musculoskeletal fungal infections.
  • Published in:JB JS Open Access,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40948569, DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.25.00095
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